Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics - News - July 23, 2023

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Jose Altuve - Might not need rehab assignment Astros manager Dusty Baker said Monday that it's possible Altuve (oblique) can be activated without going out on a rehab assignment first, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact Baker did note that he has not yet spoken to Altuve about the possibility. Altuve began taking batting practice last week as he works his way back from a left oblique strain, so if he doesn't wind up needing rehab games it seems as if he could be activated relatively soon. The veteran second baseman has been sidelined since early July.

JULY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Yordan Alvarez - Could return Tuesday or Wednesday Astros manager Dusty Baker said Monday that Alvarez (oblique) is still being evaluated and could be activated Tuesday or Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Impact The team's general manager, Dana Brown, had said previously that he expected Alvarez to be active Monday. However, Houston has ultimately decided to wait at least one more day. It does sound like fantasy managers should probably play Alvarez this week, if lineups aren't already locked. The slugger has been sidelined since early June due to a right oblique strain.

JULY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Yordan Alvarez - Not activated Monday Alvarez (oblique) was spotted taking part in running drills in the outfield Monday, but he wasn't activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of the Astros' series opener versus t...

Impact According to Rome, general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that the Astros planned to have Alvarez back in the lineup for Monday's series opener following a successful three-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Sugar Land over the weekend, but the big club will delay any roster move for at least one more day. Manager Dusty Baker didn't shed much light on the situation when asked Monday, making it difficult to discern whether Alvarez wasn't activated for the series opener as a matter of precaution or because his oblique is acting up again. After Monday, the Astros will play just five more games this week, so fantasy managers in weekly leagues who were planning on including Alvarez in active lineups may be best off keeping him on the bench or in a reserve spot while his status is uncertain.

JULY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Corey Julks - Hits bench Monday Julks is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rangers.

Impact Julks started each of Houston's last six games, going just 1-for-21 with three walks against five strikeouts during that stretch. Though he's been able to hold down a near-everyday role for a large chunk of the season, Julks could be in danger of seeing his playing time take a hit later this week, when Yordan Alvarez (oblique) is likely to return from the 10-day injured list.

JULY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dany Jiménez - Makes second rehab appearance Jimenez (shoulder) allowed an earned run on three hits and a walk over 1.1 innings in Triple-A Las Vegas' win over Salt Lake on Sunday. He struck out one.

Impact Jimenez took the hill for his second rehab appearance and worked up to 30 pitches, nearly doubling his volume from his 16-pitch outing Thursday. As in that appearance, Jimenez surrendered an earned run, but the fact he was able to up his workload with just two days' rest is encouraging. The right-hander likely still has plenty of rust to knock off due to his long layoff, so he appears slated for additional appearances with the Aviators in coming days.

JULY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ramón Laureano - Another productive rehab game Laureano (hand) went 1-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and a run in Triple-A Las Vegas' win over Salt Lake on Sunday.

Impact Laureano played a full game in right field and was even given the green light on the basepaths, yet another indicator he seems to be on the verge of activation. The veteran outfielder's timing at the plate also appears to be in fine form, as he's posted a .333 average with a double, a home run, two RBI, four walks, Sunday's steal and five runs across 17 plate appearances over four rehab games.

JULY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Chad Smith - Takes second loss Sunday Smith (1-2) took the loss against the Astros on Sunday, allowing an earned run on a solo home run over 1.2 innings. He also issued a walk and hit a batter.

Impact Smith paid for his one mistake, a slider that Mauricio Dubon blasted 404 feet to left center for a go-ahead homer in the ninth. Smith has now allowed at least one earned run in five straight appearances, another rough patch in a season that's seen him pitch to a 6.59 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 1.3 HR/9 while also posting an unsightly 1.29 K/BB across 13.2 innings.

JULY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

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Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics - News: Jul 23, 2023

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