Yordan Alvarez injury update: All-Star slugger scratched from Friday's lineup due to discomfort in neck

For Friday's game, the Houston Astros left out Yordan Alvarez from their lineup against the Baltimore Orioles. This left many intrigued about Alvarez's status.

According to Astros beat writer Brian McTaggart, Alvarez was scratched from the lineup due to neck discomfort. Chandler Rome of The Athletic also reported on the Astros DH's condition.

“I want to feel great; I don’t, unfortunately,” Alvarez said via interpreter Jenloy Herrera. “I woke up with some pain in my neck and it goes down a little bit to my scapula. Hopefully tomorrow I wake up better.”

Alvarez added that he tried hitting pregame but that it didn't go well.

In place of Alvarez for the series opener, the Astros have Alex Bregman taking up DH duties, hitting behind leadoff hitter Jose Altuve. Replacing him at the hot corner is Shay Whitcomb.

For now, the severity of Alvarez's injury remains unknown, but Astros fans would be hoping for nothing serious as the team prepares to make the final stride and sustain its division lead over the Seattle Mariners, who are 5.0 games behind.

In August, Alvarez has played 18 games, slashing .364/.475/.652 with five home runs.

Astros to have Alex Bregman play first base to accommodate Yordan Alvarez at DH

MLB: Houston Astros at Los Angeles Angels - Source: Imagn

Coming into this series, the Astros were faced with the situation of having to play Yordan Alvarez in the outfield and vacate the DH spot for Alex Bregman, who is having elbow issues.

Manager Joe Espada said that the reason behind this was to limit Bregman's defensive efforts. In comparison to third base, he'd have to make fewer throws at first, helping him with the pain.

"It's a tough balancing act because I need to keep Yordan, as much as possible, off left field," Espada said. "Breggy will grind through it. I expect him to get his reps at third base if we know how to monitor the pain."

Though Bregman is taking some reps at first base in practice, Alvarez's latest setback would mean Espada needs to delay his plans for the time being.