Astros' Yordan Alvarez to have season-ending knee surgery, Dusty Baker says

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker said Wednesday that Yordan Alvarez, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year, will have season-ending knee surgery to repair a partial tear of his right patella tendon.

Baker made the announcement to reporters from Denver, where the Astros are set to face the  Colorado Rockies.

Alvarez had been placed on the injured list Tuesday, just a few days after making his season debut.

He had an MRI on Monday after experiencing discomfort in his right knee. He had missed two games because of the injury.

"We expect a full recovery,'' Baker said. "It's better that it happens now for spring training because he has between now and spring training to heal.''

Alvarez made his season debut Friday after being activated from the injured list and was hitting .250 with a home run and four RBIs in two games.

He had been on the IL because of a positive COVID-19 test before summer camp.

Alvarez, 23, batted .313 with 27 home runs and 78 RBIs last season en route to Rookie of the Year honors.

Also,  George Springer was back in the lineup and batting leadoff for the Astros on Wednesday night against the Rockies after he was scratched Tuesday with right wrist soreness.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.