Alvarez (knee) is expected to take part in some hitting work with the Astros on Monday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Alvarez has been working his way back from a right knee sprain that he suffered Sept. 22. The lefty bat still has some boxes to check according to manager Joe Espada, but Espada is more optimistic than he was earlier in the week that Alvarez will be able to contribute to Houston’s postseason efforts. The Astros will begin their Wild Card series with the Tigers in Houston on Tuesday and it’s unclear if Alvarez will be available.