BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Tigers open a three-game series at home against the Houston Astros on Monday. Detroit has gone 39-24 at home and 73-53 overall. The Tigers have a 41-13 record in games when they did not allow a home run.

Starting pitcher Cristian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros pitches during the 1st inning of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on September 15, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday, moving the three-time All-Star slugger a step closer toward his long-awaited return from a fractured right hand.

T he announcement that Yordan Álvarez will begin his rehab assignment is music to the ears of Houston Astros fans. The powerhouse hitter has been sidelined since May 3 due to a small fracture in his right hand,