HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) -- The Astros' lineup looks closer to normal in their series opener against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park.
Slugger Yordan Alvarez returns Tuesday night from maternity leave after missing the last three games of the Cleveland Indians series over the weekend.
Alvarez, who is usually Houston's designated hitter, will play in left field Tuesday. Michael Brantley, who usually plays in left field, is the designated hitter.
Catcher Martin Maldonado, who missed the last five games while on the bereavement list, also returns to the Astros' lineup on Tuesday.
This is a critical three-game series against the A's with the All-Star break approaching. The Astros begin the series with a 3.5-game lead over Oakland with a chance to gain further separation.
