The Houston Astros are desperately in need of some offense.

They've been shut out four times in their last five games, including last night's 1-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers in 10 innings. Still, the Astros (69-57) hold a 1.5-game lead in the AL West and could soon be receiving a major offensive boost -- star slugger Yordan Alvarez.

The 28-year-old lefty has been out of the lineup for more than three months due to a nagging hand injury. But on Tuesday, he finally began his rehab assignment.

Alvarez, a three-time All-Star, immediately showed why he's been so important to Houston these past few years with a multi-hit game for Double-A Corpus Christi.

He drew a seven-pitch walk in his first at-bat of the day before swinging at a first-pitch strike in the seventh inning for a single. But the highlight of Alvarez's night came during his last plate appearance, when he drilled a double to left field.

Oh, and in addition to his two hits, he also recorded a steal. That's a good sign for Alvarez, who originally hurt his right hand swinging the bat during a game in April. He tried to play through the pain but was officially placed on the injured list on May 5.

Alvarez had a "small fracture" of the fourth metacarpal in his hand, but the Astros didn't realize that until May 31 because of swelling and inflammation that clouded the injury.

Houston manager Joe Espada said Alvarez will rest today before playing in back-to-back games for Corpus Christi, per MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. If he continues to look sharp, he could be activated this weekend for the Astros' series at Baltimore.