HOUSTON -- After surging toward the top of the American League West standings in May -- despite getting only four at-bats in the month from Yordan Alvarez -- the Astros could get their star slugger back by this weekend without the need for a Minor League rehab assignment.

Alvarez has made 24 starts in the No. 3 spot lineup and five in the No. 2 spot, but it appears he’s going to hit cleanup when he returns. Espada said he likes how the top of the lineup has gelled since he switched Isaac Paredes and Jose Altuve on May 19, with Paredes now hitting second and Altuve hitting third behind leadoff hitter Jeremy Peña.

“I do like that 1-2-3 punch,” he said. “I might stay there, but have to see once we all get those guys in there and see how everything flows. Right now my plan is to keep it as is.”

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