The Astros have led the American League West for about 2 1/2 months, which is rather remarkable when you consider the key players who’ve missed big chunks of time with injuries -- slugger Yordan Alvarez and All-Stars Jeremy Peña and Isaac Paredes on offense,

Alvarez’s buildup since he resumed swinging a bat last month has been gradual. Alvarez resumed hitting off a tee July 18 and hit soft toss several days later. The slugger took indoor batting practice Friday and is scheduled to hit on the field Saturday in West Palm Beach, Fla., Espada said.