With Jordan Alvarez on the shelf again, Astros forced to regroup against Rangers

(Photo credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images)

The Houston Astros spent 116 days in first place in the American League West this season, with Yordan Alvarez out much of that span as he missed 100 games due to a broken hand.

And if they are going to reclaim that spot -- or even earn a wild-card berth -- they will need to do it again without Alvarez. Now with a sprained left ankle, he will miss their home game We