Yordan Alvarez is not in the Astros’ starting lineup for Friday night’s battle against the Rays.
The 29-year-old slugger has shouldered a heavy workload this season, so getting him a day off against tough right-hander Drew Rasmussen isn’t the worst idea in the world. Alvarez is just 7-for-33 (.212) in the month of September and has hit just three home runs over his last 38 games. He also had a minor injury scare with his ankle on Thursday, so it’s possible that played into the decision as well. Jose Altuve will function as the team’s designated hitter while Nick Allen starts at second base and will bat ninth for the Astros.