The Houston Astros were dealt a tough blow when slugger Yordan Alvarez landed on the injured list with right hand inflammation. It was unfortunate news for the MVP candidate to get right before the 2022 All-Star game, which was set to be his first appearance in the contest celebrating the game's best players. Fret not, Astros fans.

Manager Dusty Baker provided an exciting update on Alvarez' injury timeline, per Mark Berman of Fox 26.

Baker said that Yordan Alvarez could return for the Astros after the 2022 All-Star break. He said that “the imaging showed no further damage”, with the expectation being that he'll return for the first series after the break against the New York Yankees.

That would be optimal for Houston. Alvarez has been one of the best destroyers of baseballs in the league this year, belting 26 homers to go along with a superb .306 batting average.

Health willing, the Astros slugger will surely break his previous career-high of 33 dingers in the 2022 season. That would make Houston look even better for signing him to a six-year, $115 million contract extension back in June.

Of course, Houston has more pressing matters at the moment, like breaking even with the Yankees for the majors' best record. Having the best record in the American League would go a long way towards helping the Astros make the World Series for the third time in the last six years.

And Yordan Alvarez will be a pivotal part of that chase. Good thing he isn't far away from rejoining the lineup.