Alvarez (hand) hit in the batting cage prior to Monday's game against the Royals, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Alvarez is eligible for activation from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, and while a return that day has not been ruled out, it's looking like he has a better shot to be activated Thursday when the Astros begin a road trip. The slugger is working his way back from a right hand muscle strain.