Yordan Álvarez returns from back injury, blasts 16th homer in Astros win over Rangers

May 26, 2026

Cuban designated hitter Yordan Álvarez made a statement return on Monday, May 25, 2026, coming back from the back spasm that forced him out of Saturday's game against the Cubs to launch his 16th home run of the season in the Houston Astros' victory over the Texas Rangers.

Álvarez finished the night going 1-for-3 with a home run, an additional RBI, and a walk. He made his presence felt from the first inning with a sacrifice fly that drove in a run. Then, in the fourth frame, he put any lingering injury concerns firmly to rest, launching a 110.6 mph rocket to right-center field that traveled 415 feet for a solo home run — one of the hardest-hit balls in the majors this season.

The return was particularly welcome given that Álvarez had been in a mini-slump heading into Monday's game, batting just .160 (4-for-25) over the three previous series. The blast served as a reminder that even in an off stretch, the Las Tunas native remains one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball.

On the 2026 season, the three-time All-Star is slashing .301/.415/.606 with 16 home runs, 11 doubles, 33 RBIs, 32 runs scored, and a stolen base across 54 games — numbers that keep him firmly in the conversation for the American League Most Valuable Player award.

(With information from CBS Sports / RotoWire)