Astros' Yordan Alvarez leaves with left ankle sprain, MRI Tuesday

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez left Monday night’s game against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park after rolling his left ankle while crossing home plate, with the team announcing he suffered an ankle sprain and will undergo an MRI on Tuesday, manager Joe Espada said. Alvarez exited immediately and was replaced in the outfield by rookie Zach Cole.

The injury occurred in the first inning after Alvarez drew a walk and then scored on a throwing error by Rangers starter Jack Leiter. Video of the play shows Alvarez slipping as he stepped on the plate and his left ankle turning under him as he hobbled toward the dugout. Team officials confirmed the sprain after the game, and reporters observed Alvarez leaving the clubhouse on crutches with his left foot in a walking boot.

Espada told reporters the club would send Alvarez for an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. A team spokesperson also said Alvarez did not want to speak with media until tests provided more information. Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported Alvarez was in a boot and on crutches in the clubhouse after the game.

Alvarez’s injury comes after a difficult season marked by a lengthy absence with a right...