The Astros transferred Alvarez (hand) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL Wednesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Alvarez hasn't played for the Astros since May 3 and doesn't look on track to return until after the All-Star break after suffering a setback with his fractured right hand while swinging the bat earlier this week, so his move to the 60-day is merely procedural. The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Zack Short, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Sugar Land. Alvarez is scheduled to visit a hand specialist within the next few days, after which the Astros may have an update regarding when he might be ready to resume his hitting progression.