Baker: Astros' 'best days are ahead'

Houston Astros Manager Dusty Baker told MLB.com that he believes the best is yet to come from the reigning World Series champions now that two key members will soon return to play after recovering from injuries. 

The Astros are slated to have two key members, second baseman Jose Altuve and designated hitter/outfielder Yordan Alvarez, back from injury sometime in the second half of the title defense, which finds Houston a couple of games behind the American League (AL) West-leading Texas Rangers as of Wednesday, the MLB report said.

“The best days have been ahead since we lost all those guys, and the key is to get them back, but to get them back ready," Baker said in the MLB.com article. "You don’t want to get them back when you’re not ready. They’re on the way; they’re real close. We’ve just got to win some games and stay where we are until we get them back."

Houston CW affiliate KIAH reported that the nearly weeklong All-Star Game respite provides time for Baker’s injury-ravaged squad, which has a 50-41 record, to take a break before resuming the season in Anaheim, CA, against the Los Angeles Angels. Baker wasn’t the only Astros representative at the most recent Midsummer Classic in Seattle. He was joined by Alvarez and outfielder Kyle Tucker, both of whom are two-time All-Stars. Tucker was the only Astros player to see the field at T-Mobile Park. He was 0-1 at the plate.

The report said Valdez, who collected a win in last year’s contest, didn’t play because of an ankle injury. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jordan Romano served as his replacement on the AL All-Star roster. Citing Houston CBS affiliate KHOU, Houston Daily reported that with Alvarez and Valdez added to the All-Star list, a record 29 Astros have represented the AL since 2017. Tucker was picked for the AL team to replace Los Angeles Angels slugger Mike Trout, who is injured, the Austin Journal reported, citing MLB.com.

ESPN reported that the National League (NL) All-Stars defeated their AL counterparts 3-2 to snap a losing streak that dated back to 2012. Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Diaz smacked a two-run home run in the eighth inning to help the NL clinch the victory. Despite the loss, according to ESPN, the AL still has an overall head-to-head record of 47-44-2.