Astros' Yordan Alvarez makes early exit with knee contusion

HOUSTON -- Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez exited Sunday's 9-8 loss to theLos Angeles Angels with a right knee contusion after sliding into second base after hitting a double in the third inning.

Alvarez slid into second, stood up and bent over and put his hands on his knees in pain after taking a few steps. Astros training staff and manager Joe Espada went out to check on him.

Alvarez tried to walk it off but continued to put his hands to his knees and up on his head in pain after just a few steps. He was getting an MRI following the game, manager Joe Espada said.

Mauricio Dubonreplaced Alvarez in the lineup.

When he exited the game, Alvarez was 2-for-2 with a single and a double. This comes a day after Alvarez went 4 for 4 with a homer in a 10-4 victory for the Astros over the Angels on Saturday.

Alvarez entered Sunday hitting .305 with 35 homers and 86 RBIs to lead the Astros in all three categories.

In other news, Astros outfielder Chas McCormick, who has been on the injured list since Sept. 11 with a fractured right hand, will swing a bat Monday. Outfielder Ben Gamel (fractured left fibula), however, is likely done for the season, general manager Dana Brown said.

Houston (85-71) begins a three-game series with Seattle (80-76) on Monday and has a chance to clinch the AL West with a win in that series.