Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Reigning American League Rookie of the Year Yordan Alvarez said on Monday he will be ready for opening day and his persistent knee pain “has gotten better.”

After manager Dusty Baker originally said Alvarez would rest for “three or four days,” Alvarez has not played in eight days. He was available on Monday to participate in all baseball activities, Baker said. The manager hopes Alvarez will return to Grapefruit League play on Wednesday.

“We’re hoping he’s ready (for opening day), but if he’s not ready, we’ll have to go in another direction until he gets ready,” Baker said Monday. “As of right now, we’re planning on getting him ready these next two weeks.”

Earlier this spring, Alvarez acknowledged he played through knee pain throughout his first major league season. He struck an Astros rookie-record 27 home runs, posted a 1.067 OPS and won Rookie of the Year honors unanimously.

Alvarez said this recurrence of discomfort is “very similar to the same pain I was feeling last season.” He acknowledged it could persist through the 2020 season, but management of it includes “making sure I warm up properly.”

“It has gotten better, so I think I’m ready,” Alvarez said Monday through an interpreter, “but I haven’t been surprised (how long it’s taken).”

The pain puts one of Alvarez’s preseason goals in peril. For most of the winter, Alvarez was adamant he wanted to play more outfield. Baker echoed the same hope. Alvarez started just nine times in left field last season.

With the Astros’ entire starting outfield returning — coupled with the presence of Myles Straw and Kyle Tucker — playing Alvarez on defense and risking further pain seems silly. Still, on Monday, Alvarez remained hopeful he could crack some defensive lineups.”

“I don’t think that’s been affecting (my knees), really,” Alvarez said of outfield play. “Again, I feel fine, the team is just looking to give me some rest and rest my legs.”