Astros' Yordan Alvarez 'really close' to returning after hand injury

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston manager Joe Espada said Thursday injured slugger Yordan Alvarez is getting “really close” to returning to the lineup after sitting out with a hand injury for almost a month. Alvarez, who has been out since May 3 with right hand inflammation, hit off a pitching machine Thursday before the Astros opened a four-games series with the Tampa Bay Rays. “He’s getting really close,” Espada said. “This is the best I’ve seen him and...