September 16: Espada said today that Alvarez has a pretty significant injury (via ). The manager added that Alvarez would be out for a while but would not say whether hell be placed on the injured list or provide any further specifics on the timeline. September 15: The Astros are sending for an MRI on his left ankle, manager Joe Espada said postgame (via Justin Williams Jersey ). Houstons star slugger gingerly exited tonights win over Texas in the first inning after scoring a run. The club announced a few innings later that he was diagnosed with an ankle sprain. Chandler Rome of The Athletic that Alvarez was on crutches and in a walking boot in the clubhouse after the game. Alvarez mi sed the bulk of the season with a small fracture in his right hand. He was out between the start of May and the final week of August. The three-time All-Star had started the year slowly but has raked since his return from the injured list. Hes hitting .369 with a trio of home runs in 18 games over the past three weeks. Alvarez has been in vintage form and is back as one of the teams lineup anchors as they vie for a playoff spot. The Astros have used Alvarez more frequently than they wanted in left field. That gave more at-bats at designated hitter, though hes been back at second base for the past few games. stepped in at DH tonight. Alvarezs exit pushed from right to left field. Rookie came off the bench to play right field. Cole picked up a pair of hits and his second MLB home run in his first four games. Cole would probably see an uptick in playing time in the corner outfield if Alvarez requires another injured list stint. Altuve could also see mostly everyday DH work with stepping in as a defensive upgrade at second base. Greg Pyke Jersey