Astros open series with short bench 

The Astros played short-handed Friday after they sent down utility infielder Robel García to make room for rookie pitcher Tyler Ivey, who was activated before his Major League debut against the Rangers.

García hasn’t played much this year, but his removal from the big league roster leaves the Astros with 12 position players (three bench players). Astros manager Dusty Baker hinted the Astros would return to a four-man bench Saturday.

“I’m not crazy about having a three-man bench, but it was necessary to make that move today for Ivey to pitch,” he said.

Even if Ivey is optioned back to Triple-A Sugar Land after Friday’s game, García would have to remain in the Minor Leagues for 10 days. Switch-hitting infielder Abraham Toro would be the likeliest candidate to then be called up to take Ivey’s spot. The Astros had one backup catcher, a backup infielder and a backup outfielder on Friday, but Baker prefers two extra infielders.

Aledmys Díaz, who is the Astros’ top utility player, started at shortstop Friday, with Carlos Correa getting his third day off this year. Baker said it was a “much-needed day off” for Correa, but it didn’t last long. Díaz went 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI, but left the game after four innings with left hamstring tightness and was replaced by Correa.

Mile High Yordan?
Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez said he would like to participate in the Home Run Derby in July in Denver if he’s asked.

Alvarez only has seven home runs in his first 145 at-bats this year, but entered Friday ranked 26th in the Major Leagues for average exit velocity (90.2 mph), with a max hard-hit of 114.7 mph. His average home run distance of 405 feet leads the Astros.

“I haven’t actually thought about it at this point, but if I get the opportunity to do something like that, it’s something that would interest me,” said Alvarez, who hit 27 homers in 87 games en route to being named American League Rookie of the Year in 2019. “It’s something that’s fun to watch and fun to participate in.”

Alvarez would face stiff competition to make the AL All-Star team, though, at designated hitter with J.D. Martinez (1.012 OPS) of the Red Sox and Yermin Mercedes (.967) of the White Sox having terrific seasons.

“That’s going to be a show,” Díaz said. “Having [Alvarez] in there, especially in that ballpark, it’s going to be fun to watch and hopefully he keeps doing what he’s doing now and our fans vote for him. He deserves it.”

Worth noting
• Baker said José Urquidy’s bullpen session Friday “went well.” Urquidy, who went on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, could be headed out on a Minor League rehab soon, Baker said.

• Left-hander Framber Valdez (broken finger) is scheduled to make his second rehab start Saturday at Triple-A Sugar Land, and right-hander Jake Odorizzi (right pronator strain) will make his second rehab start Sunday. Baker said Friday that Valdez could be back sooner than Odorizzi.