Cuban History Made at Minute Maid Park in ALDS

HOUSTON – Rookie sensation Yordan Álvarez of the Astros and fellow Cuban Yandy Díaz of the Rays combined to make Major League history on Friday at Minute Maid Park in Game 1 of the Division Series.

With Álvarez and Díaz starting for their respective teams, Game 1 of the AL Division Series marked the first time in postseason history that both designated hitters were natives of Cuba.

Álvarez, the frontrunner for the American League Rookie of the Year award, made his major league postseason debut batting fifth for the Astros after hitting .313 with 27 homers and 78 RBI over 87 games. 

At 22 years and 99 days old, he’s also the third youngest player in major league history to start a postseason game as a designated hitter. He’s also the third youngest player to start a postseason game for the Astros.

Díaz, 28, is playing in the postseason for the second year in a row. He was the star of the AL wild-card game on Wednesday night against the A’s, hitting a leadoff home run in the first inning and another home run in the third inning to help propel the Rays into the Division Series against the Astros. 

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