Astros' Alvarez transported to hospital after feeling ill on field

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez was taken to a hospital in Atlanta after exiting the game on Friday due to illness, the team announced.

Alvarez was removed from Friday's contest against the Braves in the fifth inning and immediately evaluated in the training room.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Alvarez was experiencing shortness of breath caused by smoke from in-game fireworks, according to The Associated Press.

"I'm glad we got him out when we did because I looked up and he was in the dugout and it was kind of a scary moment because it could be anything," Baker said. "But they said he's doing fine at the moment."

Alvarez was released from hospital after all tests came back normal. He's at the ballpark Saturday and continues to undergo further evaluation.

The 25-year-old, who is having an MVP-caliber season, entered Friday slashing .297/.401/.616 with 31 home runs and 77 RBIs in 102 games.

Mauricio Dubon, who replaced Alvarez in left field, also had to leave the contest after injuring his left elbow crashing into a wall during a catch attempt. Jake Meyers came in to replace him.