Houston Astros prospect Yordan Alvarez, the minor leagues’ home run leader, homered in the second at-bat of his major league debut against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.
Alvarez, who was promoted from Triple-A Round Rock, served as Houston’s designated hitter and batted fifth in Sunday’s game against Baltimore right-hander Dylan Bundy. His first major league home run was a two-run shot to center field in the bottom of the fourth that traveled 413 feet.
Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Alvarez eventually will see some time in left field but he wants him to get a feel for Minute Maid Park first.
Alvarez, who turns 22 later this month, has dominated the Pacific Coast League this season, batting .343 with 23 homers — the most in the minors — and a league-leading 71 RBIs in 56 games. He has split time at first base and left field throughout his minor league career.
“He’s outperformed Triple-A. It’s time to challenge him in the big leagues,” Hinch said.
Alvarez, recently ranked as baseball’s No. 44 overall prospect by MLB.com, is the latest prospect called up to the majors by the injury-plagued Astros, who have All-Stars Jose Altuve, George Springer and Carlos Correa currently on the injured list.
Joining Alvarez in Houston’s starting lineup Sunday were fellow rookies Jack Mayfield and Myles Straw.