HOUSTON.- Last season, Cuban Yordan Álvarez barely participated in 48 games and the fate was known: the Houston Astros were left without the playoffs for the first time in nine years. For this incipient campaign, Joe Espada, manager of the Sidereals, hopes to have what he considers one of the elite hitters in baseball to have a better direction.
“We don’t have to talk about the importance of Yordan Álvarez, he is on another level. When he is in the lineup, on the field of play he is one of the most elite hitters in the Major Leagues. It is a matter of keeping him healthy,” said the manager before the first game of the harvest, this Thursday, March 26.
And Espada’s words hours later were backed up with facts. In the first at-bat of the season for the Cuban, although it ended in a strikeout, he showed the power he has.
Álvarez hit a sinker from José Soriano at 98 miles per hour, but unfortunately the Daikin Park roof prevented him from celebrating his first home run of the year.
In his next turn, with a man on second and the first free base, the Angels decided to intentionally walk him, backing up what Espada had said. Yordan is a fearsome hitter and sometimes – when the game allows it – it is better not to face him.
Role of Yordan Álvarez
The Cuban, who was a designated hitter on Opening Day, will also be sharing time in the outfield. The power of his bat – if he is healthy – will frequently be at the Astros’ disposal.
“He will have the opportunity to play LF, but the most important thing is to have him in that lineup,” explained Puerto Rican manager Espada. “Because it’s not only how scary he is, but how deep he goes and creates opportunities for everyone to hit and score many more runs with his presence.”
