Yordan Alvarez has improved his chances for the American League MVP award following news that Aaron Judge will miss at least four to six weeks. The Houston Astros outfielder now leads the AL in home runs and RBIs while ranking second in batting average.
The New York Yankees announced over the weekend that Judge sustained a stress fracture in his right rib. As a result, the three-time AL MVP has dropped from the betting favorite to long odds of +8000. Alvarez currently hits .316 with 22 home runs and 48 RBIs. Those totals place him ahead in two Triple Crown categories and within striking distance of the third. Teammate Christian Walker sits just two RBIs behind. At DraftKings, Alvarez's MVP odds have shortened from +320 to +150. Kansas City Royals infielder Bobby Witt Jr. remains the slight favorite at +140 despite the Royals holding a sub-.500 record. The Astros visit the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night with first pitch scheduled for 9:38 p.m. ET. Houston right-hander Spencer Arrighetti is set to start against Angels righty Grayson Rodriguez.