The Houston Astros will open their playoff push on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers at 2:32 p.m. Eastern time.

While the Astros are again in a good position to win a World Series, there are more questions about them than ever before heading into the postseason. Of those issues include the injury to Yordan Alvarez.

When at his best, the left-handed slugger is arguably the top hitter on the roster. Unfortunately, he suffered a sprained knee when he slid into second base earlier in September, causing him to miss the last week of the regular season.

It was unclear if he’d return for the postseason, but according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, head coach Joe Espada said Alvarez is in a good position regarding the injury.

“That’s a really good sign,” said Espada. “He checked a ton of boxes today and tomorrow, he’s going to go out and hit.”

Even if he isn’t 100%, Alvarez protecting the rest of the hitters in front and behind him could go a long way for Houston.

“We’re trying to see if he wants to [hit] on the field or in the cages,” Espada said. “I would like him to hit on the field. But just the fact he’s able to hit and rotate, and do stuff that a couple of days ago I thought he wasn’t going to be able to do in a matter of days, it’s a really good sign.”

It’s uncertain when the Astros will announce their postseason roster, but it’ll be interesting to see what they do with Alvarez.

If his batting practice goes well on Monday, it looks possible that he could return for Game 1.

They could certainly use the help, as he slashed .308/.392/.567 with 35 home runs throughout the campaign.

Manager Dusty Baker expressed optimism about Alvarez’s readiness, stating, “He looked really good out there today. It’s a big relief for us.” The 26-year-old outfielder, known for his powerful bat and clutch performances, is crucial for the Astros as they aim for another World Series title.

Alvarez has been a standout this season, boasting impressive stats with a .290 batting average and 34 home runs, solidifying his role as a key offensive weapon. His return comes at a pivotal moment, with the Astros gearing up for a postseason run against fierce competition.

The team is also hopeful that other players will return from minor injuries, bolstering their chances as they strive for postseason glory. With Alvarez back in the fold, the Astros look poised to make a strong impact in the playoffs, reminding everyone why they’re perennial contenders in Major League Baseball.