Yordan Alvarez News: In Monday's lineup

Alvarez will start at designated hitter and bat second in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Just as manager Joe Espada had suggested would be the case Sunday, Alvarez will enter the lineup Monday for what will be his spring debut. Alvarez was limited to 48 games last season due to hand and ankle injuries, but when healthy, he's consistently performed as one of the top hitters in the game. Espada has previously referred to Alvarez as the Astros' everyday designated hitter heading into 2026, so the 28-year-old would seem likely to see even less exposure to left field than he has in past seasons as Houston looks to keep him healthy over the course of the campaign.