The Astros have scratched Yordan Alvarez from Tuesday's lineup in a Grapefruit League matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Alvarez was scratched due to knee soreness, according to manager Dusty Baker.
Alvarez, who is just 22 years old, raised eyebrows earlier in spring training when he revealed he'd dealt with knee soreness in 2019.
The reigning unanimous American League Rookie of the Year's knees have been a hot topic of conversation at spring training ever since the revelation.
Alvarez would like to play more in the outfield, but there is a concern about how well his knees will hold up. Alvarez said his knees felt fine early in spring training, but he's recently dealt with soreness, which led to Tuesday's scratch.
"He's a little sore today, so we didn't want to take a chance on him missing any extended time," Baker told reporters. "So we decided not to play him in the outfield, decided not to DH him. Just give him a couple of days to get over some soreness. He's OK."
Baker added that he wasn't necessarily concerned about the issue because it's something that's been lingering since last season.
The Astros' training staff thought Alvarez should skip a couple of days as a precaution, Baker said.
"We've got to take care of him first," Baker said. "I know he wants to play and we want him to play. But it won't do any good if he's sore and he can't play outfield or DH. We just have to adjust accordingly."
Dusty Baker gives an update on Yordan Alvarez who was scratched because of sore knees. pic.twitter.com/RT6P6AitOy
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 3, 2020Also on SportsRadio 610
Laremy Tunsil Fires Agency Amid Contract Negotiations
