Yordan Alvarez

Astros manager Joe Espada said Monday that he would like Alvarez (ankle) to "spend most of his season" at designated hitter, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Espada added that the decision to limit Alvarez, who is expected to be ready for spring training after suffering a significant high ankle sprain back in September, from playing the field is for health purposes. The Astros would like to keep the 28-year-old middle-of-the-order force in their lineup as often as possible after a hand issue limited him to just 48 games this past season.

Brown said last month that Alvarez was expected to be ready for the start of spring training after suffering a serious-looking ankle injury during late September. The 28-year-old slugger was diagnosed with a significant high ankle sprain that didn't end up requiring surgery. The latest update should extinguish any concerns for fantasy managers heading into drafts next spring.