Alvarez tests his hand in the cage
Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez hit in the batting cages Sunday for the first time since he landed on the injured list with right hand inflammation a week earlier, Astros manager Dusty Baker said.
“He was a little tentative at first, but then afterward, after you get past that initial expecting of pain, then he swung the bat well,” Baker said.
Alvarez had to be replaced on the American League All-Star roster after his bothersome right hand ailed him again during the Astros’ series at Oakland.
Baker said Alvarez will not travel to Los Angeles for the All-Star Game and that the Astros hope to have him available for Thursday’s doubleheader against the Yankees at Minute Maid Park.
“He's gonna stay back and get treatment to try to get ready for the Yankee series, get ready for the second half,” Baker said.
Baker offered no certain timetable for Alvarez or outfielder Michael Brantley ahead of Houston’s final game before the All-Star break.
4 Reno pitchers baffle Sugar Land
Former Astros Dan Straily and Chris Devenski and former Astros farmhand J.B. Bukauskas were among four Reno pitchers teaming on a five-hitter as the Aces defeated the Sugar Land Space Cowboys 8-1 on Sunday night at Constellation Field.
Straily, whose eight years of major league service include four appearances for the 2015 Astros, threw six scoreless innings, allowing three hits and two walks. Bukauskas and Devenski threw an inning apiece.
Odds and ends
Baker had no update on injured pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., who threw two simulated innings Saturday. The Astros have yet to decide whether McCullers will need another live BP session or is ready to go on a rehab assignment. Baseball’s minor leagues are on a break until Friday. … Baker said he was not ready to divulge the Astros’ pitchers for Thursday’s home doubleheader against the Yankees.