AL West Notes: Alvarez, Santos, Scherzer, Gamel

Jordan Alvarez leave today 9-8 Astros loss to the Angels due to a bruised right knee, and manager Joe Espada said after the game (to Chandler Rome of The Athletic and other reporters) that the bat “pretty sore” and is being tested. When Alvarez slid into second base during a double in the third inning, he hit his knee on the ground and had to be replaced by a pinch runner. Mauricio Dubon.

Knee problems have plagued Alvarez for much of his career, and he had arthroscopic surgeries on both knees in 2020. The Astros have used Alvarez primarily as a DH due to those knee issues, and while there are no signs yet that today's injury is anything more than a bruise, it certainly isn't a good sign that one of Houston's best hitters is suddenly facing health issues just a week before the playoffs. Alvarez is enjoying another great season, with 35 home runs and a slash line of .305/.309/.564 in a career-best 636 batting appearances entering today's game.

More from AL West…

• Gregory Santos could be activated from the Sailors' 15-day injured list in the next few days, reports Adam Jude of the Seattle Times (via X). Between a latissimus strain to start the season and subsequent bicep inflammation that has kept him out of action since July 31, Santos has appeared in just six games for Seattle this year, posting a 6.75 ERA in 5 1/3 innings. Santos has also thrown 5 1/3 innings during his six rehab appearances in Triple-A, posting a 1.69 ERA but also more walks (seven) than strikeouts (six). Acquired from the White Sox in a notable trade in February, Santos hasn't done much in his first season with the Mariners, but he has a chance for some late heroics if he returns in time to help the M's secure a playoff berth.
• Speaking of injury-plagued seasons: Max ScherzerThe 2024 season officially ended when a thigh strain forced him to Rangers' 15-day injured list yesterday. Scherzer, who is limited to a career-low 43 1/3 innings in 2024, has already stated that he wants to return for an 18th major league season, and he told MLB.com's Kennedi Landry (X-Link) and other reporters today that he is open to a return to Texas. Jacob deGrom, Jon Gray, Tyler Mahle, Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker, Dane DunningAnd Cody Bradford are all projected as rotation candidates or prospects for the Rangers next season, so on paper there may not be room to reunite with Scherzer even on a one-year deal. However, there is enough uncertainty within the projected lineup that Texas may still want to look for other pitchers, and a pitcher with Scherzer's track record has plenty of potential even at age 40.
• Ben Gamel was placed on the 10-day injured list earlier this week due to a broken fibula, and during his weekly appearance on the Astros' Before the game in a radio broadcast, GM Dana Brown confirmed that Gamel “most likely” will not be available for the postseason. Between Gamel’s injury, Chas McCormickGiven the fragmentation and new uncertainty about Alvarez's status, Houston's outfield suddenly faces roster depth issues ahead of the playoffs.