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1h ago

Jesús Sánchez Ends 0-For-32 With Five Hits as Yordan Alvarez Nears Astros Return

Manager Joe Espada set a weekend target after Alvarez completes back-to-back Double-A games.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Houston Astros' Jeremy Pena, right, celebrates after hitting a three-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Baltimore Orioles' Jeremiah Jackson watches as he hits a two-run RBI double during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Baltimore.
Jeremy Peña hit the first of the Astros' two three-run homers Friday night as Houston outslugged the Orioles in Baltimore.

Overview

  • Sánchez went 5-for-5 in a 7-2 win in Baltimore, with Elias Sports Bureau noting he is the first MLB player to follow a 10-game hitless streak with a five-hit game.
  • Before the breakout, Sánchez had slumped to 9-for-60 with Houston, including an 0-for-32 skid, as coaches emphasized relaxation and a more elevated contact profile.
  • Alvarez is 5-for-8 through two rehab outings with Double-A Corpus Christi, including two doubles and an RBI while serving as designated hitter.
  • Espada said the plan is for Alvarez to play on Thursday and Friday in the Minors and then potentially rejoin the Astros over the weekend in Baltimore.
  • Houston’s offense had been scuffling with recent scoreless streaks, but Thursday’s win pushed the AL West lead to two games as Alvarez’s return is projected to reshape the left-handed spot that Sánchez has been filling.