Astros' Yordan Alvarez Pushes Back on DH-Only Plan

Slugger wants to play the field, but manager prioritizes keeping him healthy

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Houston Astros manager Joe Espada was planning to use star slugger Yordan Alvarez solely as the designated hitter in 2026 to keep him healthy, but Alvarez pushed back on that plan, saying he hasn't gotten injured playing left field and wants to contribute in the field as well as at the plate.

Why it matters

Alvarez is a key part of the Astros' lineup, coming off three straight All-Star seasons, and the team is looking to keep him healthy and productive. However, Alvarez believes he can still play the field effectively, raising a potential conflict between the player's desires and the manager's plan.

The details

Alvarez, who appeared in just 48 games in 2025 due to hand and ankle injuries, acknowledged that Espada and the Astros make the final decisions on his role. But he pointed out that his injuries have not come from playing the field, and he wants to contribute defensively as well as offensively.

  • Alvarez is preparing for the 2026 MLB season with the Houston Astros.

The players

Yordan Alvarez

A slugging outfielder and designated hitter for the Houston Astros, Alvarez is a former Rookie of the Year and World Series champion who has made three straight All-Star teams.

Joe Espada

The manager of the Houston Astros, Espada was planning to use Alvarez solely as the designated hitter in 2026 to keep him healthy.

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What they’re saying

“I've never gotten hurt playing left field. All my injuries have been from different ways (and) running. But I haven't had any serious injuries actually playing left field.”

— Yordan Alvarez (The Athletic)

“I don't make those decisions. They're the ones that make those decisions. They would know how to handle that situation.”

— Yordan Alvarez (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Astros and Alvarez will need to come to an agreement on his role for the 2026 season, balancing Alvarez's desire to contribute in the field with the team's priority of keeping him healthy.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the tension between a player's preferences and a manager's strategic decisions, especially when it comes to managing an injury-prone star's workload. The Astros will have to carefully navigate this situation to get the most out of Alvarez's bat while also protecting his long-term health.