HOUSTON -- Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez , who has been out since May 2 with a fractured right hand and subsequent inflammation , will begin a Minor League rehab assignment and play “a few games” at Double-A Corpus Christi, which is a huge step towards his return to the lineup.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Sunday that Alvarez will be in the lineup Tuesday at designated hitter against the Frisco RoughRiders, but he didn’t say how many at-bats or games Alvarez might need before rejoining the big league lineup. Alvarez took eight at-bats in live batting practice Saturday in West Palm Beach, Fla., and then flew to Houston to be evaluated.

“It’s really good news,” Espada said before the Astros' series finale vs. the Orioles. “The fact he’s feeling better and we’re getting to a point whe

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