Astros' Yordan Alvarez: Set to bat second

Manager Joe Espada said Sunday that he plans to bat Alvarez second this season, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Alvarez mostly hit out of the No. 3 hole last season and also has plenty of experience as Houston's cleanup hitter, but the new skipper wants to move him up the lineup. The change shouldn't significantly alter the slugger's run production but should benefit fantasy managers as it will lead to more plate appearances over the course of a full season.