Yordan Alvarez has looked very much like a rookie during his first MLB playoff run, but the Houston Astros still have faith in him to get right.
Astros manager AJ Hinch said on Monday that the 22-year-old will start and hit seventh in Game 1 of the World Series against the Washington Nationals. He also said that Alvarez will play in Game 2 as well but would not commit to playing the lefty slugger once the series shifts to Washington.
“A.J. has put his confidence in me and it’s given me a fresh, clear mind,” Alvarez said through his interpreter, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. “Just to have his support and the support of our coaches and players has been huge for me. I’m very happy for that.”
After hitting a scorching .313 with 27 homers and 78 RBIs during the season, Alvarez has fallen back to earth during the postseason with a .171 batting average and a mere three extra base hits in 11 games. He was particularly putrid in the ALCS against the New York Yankees, going 1-for-22 (.045).
The Nationals will be fresh heading into the World Series, so the Astros may need Alvarez to return somewhat to form or risk losing home-field advantage.
