Injury update for Yordan Alvarez and Chas McCormick

HOUSTON – The Houston Astros go into the playoffs as number 3 in the American League. The team won the AL West for the fourth straight year and seventh of the last eight.

Their postseason spot is solidified, so the final three games of the regular season are meaningless for the Astros other than being in the lead. And that's a good thing, because you won't see Yordan Alvarez or Chas McCormick in the lineup, at least until the games matter again.

Alvarez sprained his right knee while sliding into second base against the Angels on Sunday and left the game. According to Astros.com, Alvarez will remain in Houston while the rest of the team travels to Cleveland for the regular season finale series.

Manager Joe Espada said Alvarez was feeling better Wednesday morning, but the team did not provide a timetable for his return.

According to Astros.com, McCormick, who suffered a broken right hand, took batting practice on Wednesday and pitched some balls. He also won't be traveling with the team to Cleveland, but should be ready for the first round of the MLB playoffs.