DETROIT – The Astros, having been shut out in three consecutive games over 28 innings following Tuesday’s 1-0 loss in 10 innings to the Tigers, could use a major jolt in their lineup. They might be about to get one with the return of slugger Yordan Alvarez .

Alvarez, in his first Minor League rehab outing at Double-A Corpus Christi, went 2-for-4 with a walk, a steal and a double while batting second as the Hooks’ designated hitter. His ninth-inning double to left-center field is a promising sign for Alvarez that the hand injury that’s plagued him for three-plus months might finally be healed.

Astros manager Joe Espada said the plan for Alvarez is to not play Wednesday before appearing in back-to-back games for the Hooks. If all goes well, it appears Alvarez could be activated this week

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