While eliminated from the playoffs, despite the expanded playoff format which added a third Wild Card team per league (since 2022), a few Astros players are using this time away from the diamond recovering from injuries sustained during the 2025 season. One of them is designated hitter and left fielder Yordan Álvarez.

During the first inning of a game against the Texas Rangers on September 15th, Álvarez suffered a left ankle sprain while scoring from first base on a throwing error by the Rangers. An MRI confirmed the significance of the sprain, and Álvarez ended up in a walking boot and on crutches. Initially, he was projected to have a quick recovery and be back at the plate before the season ended, but he was ultimately ruled out for the rest of the season.

Earlier in the 2025 season, he was first diagnosed with a muscle strain that was later found to be a small right-hand fracture, which caused him to miss about 100 games. He was finally able to return on August 26th and reentered the lineup with a strong performance up until September 15th, when the ankle sprain occurred.

Álvarez, being the key player that he is, was a noticeable missing piece of the puzzle toward the end of the season. With the Astros still fighting for a playoff spot, his absence was felt by the team.

As the offseason continues, Álvarez will focus on rehabilitation and returning to full strength. Astros fans and the organization are both hoping he will be ready to go for Spring Training and back to contributing to Houston’s lineup for the 2026 season.