Overview

• Sánchez went 5-for-5 with a double in the Astros’ 7-2 win over the Orioles, snapping an 0-for-29 stretch and recording his second career five-hit game.
• Manager Joe Espada told Sánchez to relax and trust his ability to hit, and coaches are emphasizing more ball elevation while continuing to sit him against left-handed starters.
• Álvarez, out since May 5 with a right-hand fracture, is 5-for-8 over two rehab games at Double-A Corpus Christi, including a three-hit outing with two doubles.
• The Athletic’s Chandler Rome projects Álvarez to resume the left-handed middle-of-order role upon his return, potentially reducing Sánchez’s role if his production dips.
• Houston had struggled to score in recent games, but Thursday’s 12-hit performance provided a lift as the Astros hold a two-game AL West lead entering Friday.