Jorge Alfaro
YEARTEAMGABRHitsRBIDTHRBBSOSBCSEAVGOBPSLUG
2018Mudhens2299925114052300010.2530.2750.444
2019Samurai692232837229179741020.1660.2280.309
2020Samurai3183131890064270000.2170.2930.434
2021Lightning00000000000000.0000.0000.000
2022Lightning5216215291370311475000.1790.2400.278
2023Lightning226651365021240000.1970.2090.364
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Mar 25 2024Alfaro was released by the Cubs on Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro agreed to a minor-league deal that included an invitation to big-league camp with Chicago in December, but he'll head to the open market after failing to make the Opening Day roster. The 30-year-old backstop appeared in 18 games a season ago across stops in Colorado and Boston, but he struggled to a .146 average (7-for-52) with one homer, four RBI and two runs scored.
Dec 13 2023The Cubs signed Alfaro to a minor-league contract Wednesday with an invitation to major-league spring training, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro, 30, batted just .146/.212/.292 with one home run and 15 strikeouts in 52 major-league plate appearances last year between the Rockies and Red Sox. He'll be at least third on Chicago's organizational depth chart at catcher behind Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya.
Aug 15 2023Alfaro signed a minor-league contract with the Marlins on Tuesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's a return to South Beach for Alfaro, who played for the Marlins from 2019-21. The 30-year-old catcher has seen brief action in the majors this season with the Red Sox and Rockies but has spent most of the year at the Triple-A level. That's where he'll report this week, joining the Marlins' affiliate in Jacksonville.
Aug 5 2023Alfaro cleared waivers and elected free agency Saturday after being designated for assignment by the Red Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republicanreports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro appeared in eight games during his brief time with Boston and went 2-for-17 in 20 plate appearances. The veteran backstop will look to latch on elsewhere, likely via a minor-league deal.
Aug 1 2023The Red Sox designated Alfaro for assignment Tuesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro spent just under a month on the Red Sox's 40-man roster and 26-man active roster, serving as the No. 2 option at catcher while Reese McGuire (oblique) was on the shelf. As anticipated, Alfaro finds himself as the odd man out with McGuire returning from the IL on Tuesday to reclaim his role as Connor Wong's top backup. Alfaro saw limited work behind Wong while he was with Boston, going 2-for-17 with two walks against three strikeouts. The 30-year-old will now be exposed to waivers and could hold some appeal for an organization looking to upgrade its catching depth.
Jul 6 2023Alfaro signed a one-year contract with the Red Sox on Thursday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro caught on with the Rockies after opting out of his minor-league deal with the Red Sox last month, but he's now back with Boston after Colorado cut him loose earlier this week. The 30-year-old will back up Connor Wong at catcher while Reese McGuire (oblique) is sidelined and might also see a little action in the outfield and designated hitter.
Jul 5 2023Colorado outrighted Alfaro to Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment by the Rockies last Friday. He can elect to become a free agent, but it seems there has been no decision in that regard just yet. The 30-year-old catcher and corner outfielder slashed .161/.188/.387 in his 32 plate appearances with Colorado.
Jun 30 2023Alfaro was designated for assignment by the Rockies on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro slashed just .161/.188/.387 in 10 games (32 plate appearances) during his two-week stay with Colorado and now heads into DFA limbo. Austin Wynns remains the backup to starting catcher Elias Diaz.
Jun 21 2023Alfaro went 1-for-5 with a three-run homer in Tuesday's loss to the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro came up big late in the game with a three-run blast to center field to bring the Rockies within striking distance. The 30-year-old went hitless in his first three games with the Rockies but has tallied three extra-base hits over his last eight at-bats. Alfaro will get the occasional start behind the dish, but the Rockies seemingly view him as their primary option at designated hitter for the time being while Charlie Blackmon (hand) and Kris Bryant (heel) are on the shelf. He's slashing .158/.200/.421 with four RBI, a run scored and a 0:9 BB:K over 20 plate appearances.
Jun 15 2023Colorado selected Alfaro's contract from Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Brian Serven has been optioned out and Alfaro will take over a share of the backup role behind primary catcher Elias Diaz. Alfaro, 30, has slashed .323/.366/.524 with seven home runs and five stolen bases in 46 games this year between the Triple-A affiliates of the Red Sox and Rockies. Beyond backup catching duties, he can also play some corner outfield and cycle in at designated hitter.
Jun 10 2023Alfaro signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro was released by the Red Sox last Saturday, and the veteran backstop finds a new club a week later. The backstop last played in the majors with the Padres in 2022, and he hit .246/.285/.383 with seven homers over 82 games and 256 at-bats. It's possible Alfaro could spend time with the Rockies, but they will need to add him to the 40-man roster in order to do so.
Jun 3 2023Alfaro was released by the Red Sox on Saturday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro exercised the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract earlier this week and the Sox have now officially granted him his release. The 29-year-old catcher and corner outfielder should find interest on the open market after posting a shiny .320/.367/.520 batting line across 191 plate appearances with Triple-A Worcester.
Jun 1 2023Alfaro has opted out of his minor-league contract with the Red Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox now have 48 hours to either add him to the roster or release him. Alfaro has batted .320/.366/.520 with six home runs and four stolen bases across 43 games with Triple-A Worcester, so there could be some interest from other clubs if Boston cuts him loose.
Mar 2 2023Alfaro has a March 25 upward mobility clause in his minor-league contract with the Red Sox which would allow him to sign a major-league deal elsewhere if Boston doesn't plan to have him on the Opening Day roster, Chris Cotillo of the Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox seem likely to keep Alfaro around, whether that's as Reese McGuire's backup or as a third catcher along with McGuire and Connor Wong. Alfaro can also play first base and the corner outfield spots in a pinch, which helps his chances of sticking on the roster.
Feb 20 2023Alfaro arrived to spring training Sunday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro was delayed by visa issues that prevented him from reporting last Wednesday. He appeared in 82 games for the Padres in 2022, posting a .668 OPS with seven home runs and 40 RBI. The 29-year-old backstop will compete with Reese McGuire and Connor Wong for one of two spots on the Opening Day roster. His minor-league deal includes opt-outs June 1 and July 1.
Jan 16 2023Alfaro signed a minor-league contract with the Red Sox on Monday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro split time behind the plate with Austin Nola in San Diego last season, slashing .246/.285/.383 across 274 plate appearances. Both of Boston's major-league catchers haven't shown to be anything special at the plate either, so there's a chance Alfaro gets a chance to start some games for the Sox if he performs in Triple-A.
Nov 18 2022The Padres declined to tender Alfaro a contract for 2023, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As Cassavell notes, Alfaro had five walk-off hits in 2022, so while his time with the Padres was brief, it was memorable. Overall, Alfaro slashed .246/.285/.383 during the regular season -- his third straight season with an OPS south of .670. He's a good athlete for the catcher position, but the strikeouts have been too much for Alfaro to overcome in recent years.
Sep 5 2022Alfaro (knee) was activated from the 10-day injured list Monday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since landing on the injured list due to right knee inflammation, Alfaro has bounced back nicely during his rehab stint. He went 4-for-15 with two homers in Triple-A El Paso and will rejoin the Padres ahead of their series against the Diamondbacks.
Aug 26 2022Alfaro was placed on the 10-day injured list with right knee inflammation Friday, retroactive to Aug. 25. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started two of the last three games and went 0-for-8 with five strikeouts. However, he's apparently dealing with a knee issue that will keep him out for at least a week and a half. A timetable for his return isn't yet clear, but Luis Campusano was recalled to provide additional depth behind the plate.
Aug 18 2022Alfaro is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Nationals, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro is 4-for-22 in August and will take a seat Thursday for the second straight game. Austin Nola will receive another start behind the plate for the Friars.
Aug 17 2022Alfaro isn't starting Wednesday against the Marlins, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro returned from a knee injury Sunday but will head to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Austin Nola is starting behind the plate and batting ninth.
Aug 15 2022Alfaro isn't in the lineup Monday against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro returned to action Sunday against Washington after missing a few games with a knee issue and went 1-for-3 with a run. He'll get a day off while Austin Nola starts behind the plate and bats ninth.
Aug 14 2022Alfaro (knee) is in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro missed four games with a sore knee, but he is ready to get back behind the plate. He will occupy the ninth spot in the batting order against Nationals starter Paolo Espino.
Aug 13 2022Alfaro (knee) isn't starting Saturday against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro sustained a right knee injury during Monday's loss to the Giants and will officially be held out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game. However, he expects to start behind the dish during Sunday's series finale in Washington, Bob Scanlan of Bally Sports San Diego reports. Austin Nola is starting behind the plate and batting ninth once again.
Aug 12 2022Alfaro (knee) is not in the starting lineup Friday versus the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will miss a third straight game after he hurt his right knee in Monday's loss to the Giants. He's expected to sit for one more game before returning to start behind the plate Sunday, Bob Scanlan of Bally Sports San Diego reports. Austin Nola will start at catcher and bat ninth in Friday's series opener.
Aug 10 2022Alfaro (knee) isn't likely to need a trip to the injured list, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro was pulled from Monday's loss to San Francisco after hurting his right knee and wasn't in the lineup either of the subsequent two days. However, it doesn't appear that the injury is serious enough to warrant a trip to the IL. The Padres have a day off Thursday, and it remains to be seen if he'll be ready to return for the series opener in Washington on Friday.
Aug 9 2022Alfaro (knee) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Giants, according to Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The extent of Alfaro's injury is not known, but he will miss at least one game and possibly another, as the Padres will have an off day following Wednesday's series finale. Austin Nola will get the start behind the plate Tuesday night.
Aug 7 2022Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro has a .603 OPS with a home run, 10 RBI and a 38.9 percent strikeout rate since the All-Star break and will head to the bench Sunday for the third time in the past four games. Austin Nola will receive another look behind the plate for San Diego.
Aug 4 2022Alfaro isn't starting Thursday against the Rockies, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started the last three games and went 3-for-12 with three RBI, a run and five strikeouts. Austin Nola is taking over behind the dish and batting eighth.
Aug 2 2022Alfaro was added to the lineup for Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro was set to come off the bench in the opener of Tuesday's twin bill, but he will join the lineup in place of Luke Voit, who was traded to the Nationals after the initial lineup was posted. Alfaro will bat cleanup and serve as the designated hitter in the first game, and he could start behind the plate in Game 2.
Aug 1 2022Alfaro isn't starting Monday against Colorado, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro has alternated starts behind the dish recently, and he'll take a seat after he went 0-for-3 with a strikeout Sunday. Austin Nola is starting at catcher and batting eighth.
Jul 30 2022Afaro is not in Saturday's lineup against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro has been swinging a hot bat, hitting .355 with one home run and eight RBI over his last nine games. Austin Nola will start behind the dish and bat sixth.
Jul 29 2022Alfaro went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run and three strikeouts in Friday's 10-1 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro accounted for the Padres' fifth and final homer of the game, a fifth-inning blast that also produced their last runs. He's hit safely in eight of his last nine games, going 11-for-31 (.355) in that span. The 29-year-old catcher has seven homers, 33 RBI, 23 runs scored, a stolen base and 13 doubles in 60 contests while slashing .277/.312/.446.
Jul 27 2022Alfaro isn't in the lineup Wednesday against Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro is getting a breather after he went 3-for-8 with a double, three RBI, a run, a walk and three strikeouts over the last two games. Austin Nola will start behind the plate and bat fifth.
Jul 24 2022Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro went 0-for-3 during Saturday's contest and will take a seat for Sunday's series finale. Austin Nola will work behind the plate and bat seventh.
Jul 22 2022Alfaro will sit Friday against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will remain on the bench for the second game in a row Friday after sitting the Padres' final game before the All-Star break. Austin Nola will start at catcher and bat seventh in the series opener.
Jul 17 2022Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Austin Nola will start behind the dish in the Padres' final game before the All-Star break while Alfaro puts his four-game hitting streak on hold. Alfaro has produced a .797 OPS dating back to the beginning of June and still appears secure as San Diego's preferred backstop.
Jul 15 2022Alfaro isn't starting Friday's game against the Diamondbacks, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro went 2-for-3 with an RBI, a walk and a strikeout Friday but will retreat to the bench for the second time in the last three games. Austin Nola is starting behind the plate and batting seventh.
Jul 13 2022Alfaro isn't in the lineup Wednesday against Colorado, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro is getting a breather after he hit .200 with three runs and seven strikeouts over the last five games. Austin Nola will start behind the dish and bat eighth.
Jul 7 2022Alfaro isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro went 2-for-12 with a walk and seven strikeouts over his last four matchups and will be out of the lineup for a second consecutive game. Austin Nola is starting behind the plate and batting seventh.
Jul 5 2022Alfaro is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since Alfaro recently shook off a knee injury and because the Padres are playing a day game after a night game, he'll get a breather while Austin Nola checks in behind the plate. Though Alfaro's strikeouts have been mounting of late (42.5 percent rate over his past 10 games), he's still managed to remain somewhat serviceable at the plate with a .685 OPS over that stretch. Alfaro still appears to be ahead of Nola on the depth chart.
Jul 3 2022Alfaro (knee) started as the designated hitter in Saturday's loss to the Dodgers, going 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Per Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Alfaro has been dealing with right knee inflammation, and he had logged only one at-bat (as a pinch hitter) over the Padres' past three games prior to Saturday. Though it's a good sign that the veteran backstop was able to work as the team's DH in the third game of the series against the Dodgers, it's unclear when he'll be ready to get back behind the plate.
Jul 1 2022Alfaro will be on the bench Friday against the Dodgers, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro finds himself on the bench for the third game in a row, suggesting he's back in a bench role after looking like a regular throughout much of the second half of June. His .793 OPS easily beats fellow catcher Austin Nola's .613 mark, but it will be Nola who starts behind the plate Friday.
Jun 30 2022Alfaro isn't starting Thursday against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro went 3-for-13 with two doubles, five RBI and five strikeouts over his last three games but will take a seat for a second consecutive matchup. Austin Nola is starting behind the plate and batting sixth.
Jun 29 2022Alfaro is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will take a seat for the day game after he was in the lineup each of the past three contests, which included starts behind the plate Sunday and Tuesday. Austin Nola will serve as the Padres' catcher in the series finale in place of Alfaro, who went 2-for-5 with a three-run double in Tuesday's 7-6 loss.
Jun 24 2022Alfaro isn't starting Friday's game against the Phillies, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started in the last three games and went 5-for-14 with a homer, a double, three RBI and five strikeouts. Austin Nola is taking over behind the plate and batting fifth Friday.
Jun 23 2022Alfaro went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 10-4 win over the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Getting the start at DH and batting cleanup, Alfaro crushed a Caleb Smith slider down the left-field line and off the facing of the upper deck of the warehouse at Petco Park in the sixth inning. The 29-year-old catcher is red hot right now, and through 13 games in June, Alfaro is slashing .340/.389/.680 with four of his six homers on the season.
Jun 20 2022Alfaro isn't in the lineup for Monday's game against the Diamondbacks, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro went 2-for-9 with a double and a walk over the last three matchups and will be out of the starting lineup for a second straight game. Austin Nola is starting behind the plate and batting seventh.
Jun 19 2022Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will cede catching duties to Austin Nola for the day game after a night game. In Saturday's 5-4 loss, Alfaro was behind the dish for the fourth time in five contests and finished 1-for-4 with a double. He's now sitting on a .333/.381/.667 slash line in June, with Alfaro's massive surge at the plate having enabled him to surpass Nola on the depth chart.
Jun 16 2022Alfaro is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will get a breather for the day game after a night game, but he may have overtaken Austin Nola as the Padres' top backstop after turning in another big day at the plate in Wednesday's 19-5 win. The 29-year-old went 3-for-6 with a home run -- his second in as many days -- a double, three RBI and two additional runs to bring his OPS up to .962 since May 14. Nola will get the nod behind the dish Thursday, but Alfaro had started four of the previous six games at catcher.
Jun 15 2022Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in a 12-5 win over the Cubs on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Padres' catcher joined in on the action Tuesday night as the Padres got to the Cubs bullpen for 11 runs. He is behind Austin Nola on the depth chart but will likely continue to alternate starts. The 29-year-old catcher is hitting a respectable .272 on the year, albeit in only 112 plate appearances.
Jun 3 2022Alfaro went 2-for-2 with a two-run homer run and two walks in Thursday's loss to the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro got the start at catcher and provided half of San Diego's runs with his blast to center field in the sixth inning. He reached base a season-high four times in the contest and extended his modest hitting streak to four games. Over that stretch, Alfaro is slashing .500/.571/.833 with a double, a homer, two RBI and four runs.
May 9 2022Alfaro clubbed a three-run pinch-hit homer to give San Diego a walkoff win over Miami on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Padres were unable to muster any runs through eight innings, but they mounted a rally with a pair of singles in the bottom of the ninth. That set the stage for Alfaro, who came on as a pinch hitter with two outs and crushed a 449-foot walkoff shot to center field. The long ball was his second of the campaign and his first since April 10.
May 8 2022Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro had started three of the past four games at catcher, going 2-for-10 with a walk during that stretch. Despite the uptick in work of late, Alfaro still appears to be the Padres' No. 2 option at the position behind Austin Nola, who gets the start behind the plate in Sunday's series finale.
Apr 21 2022Alfaro went 0-for-2 with an RBI, a run and a stolen base in a 6-0 win over the Reds on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though he didn't collect any hits, Alfaro made an offensive impact from the seventh spot in the order. The backstop reached on a hit-by-pitch in the fifth inning, stole second base and scored on a Trent Grisham double, then knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth. Working as the Padres' No. 2 catcher, Alfaro has registered a .238/.261/.429 slash line, one homer, two RBI and one stolen base over 23 plate appearances on the season.
Apr 10 2022Alfaro went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 10-5 victory against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro went back-to-back with Jurickson Profar in the second inning to stake San Diego to an early 5-0 lead it wouldn't relinquish. The former Marlin is splitting time behind the dish with Austin Nola but has performed well thus far, going 3-for-8 with a double and home run in two games.
Mar 28 2022Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double and four RBI in a Cactus League win over the White Sox on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro got the scoring started for San Diego in the sixth inning with a solo shot to left field. He then gave the team its first lead with a bases-clearing double in the following frame. Alfaro is tied with Boston's Ryan Fitzgerald atop the spring home run leaderboard with four long balls, and he leads all players with 10 RBI while slashing .400/.438/1.267. He is expected to compete with Austin Nola and Victor Caratini for time behind the plate for San Diego this season, so his strong spring could help him stand out among the trio.
Mar 23 2022Alfaro signed a one-year contract with the Padres on Tuesday to avoid arbitration. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro was acquired from the Marlins in November and is now officially under contract for his new team. The 28-year-old hit .244/.282/.342 with four home runs, 30 RBI and eight stolen bases in 311 plate appearances last season, but he's now competing for reps behind the plate with Austin Nola and Victor Caratini.
Nov 30 2021Alfaro was acquired by the Padres from the Marlins on Tuesday in exchange for cash or a player to be named later, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro missed the final few weeks of the season with a strained left calf, but he should be ready for spring training with his new team. The 28-year-old appeared in 92 games for Miami last season and hit .244/.283/.342 with four homers, 30 RBI, 22 runs and eight stolen bases. Austin Nola and Victor Caratini failed to impress during their first year with the Friars, and Alfaro should complete for the starting job at catcher during spring training.
Sep 20 2021Alfaro (calf) has yet to resume baseball activities as of Monday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro's lack of activity isn't overly surprising after he was placed on the injured list Friday due to a strained left calf, and it probably suggests he won't be in line for a minimum stay on the shelf. If Alfaro isn't cleared to work out again by the end of the week, the Marlins will most likely shut him down for the season.
Sep 17 2021Alfaro was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with a strained left calf, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro's appearance off the bench seemed to indicate he was progressing from the calf injury, but he'll instead head to the injured list. Payton Henry and Nick Fortes were promoted from the minors to provide catching depth, with Henry receiving the start Friday versus Pittsburgh.
Sep 15 2021Alfaro (calf) remains out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will be out of the lineup for a fourth consecutive game after he exited Saturday's game against Atlanta with left calf tightness. Sandy Leon will start behind the plate and bat seventh.
Sep 14 2021Alfaro (calf) remains on the bench Tuesday against the Nationals, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro hasn't played since leaving Saturday's game against Atlanta with a tight left calf. Alex Jackson remains the starter behind the plate Tuesday, catching Jesus Luzardo.
Sep 13 2021Alfaro (calf) isn't starting Monday's game against the Nationals, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will be held out of the lineup for a second straight game as he continues to deal with calf tightness. It's not yet clear whether he'll be available off the bench Monday, but Alex Jackson will start behind the plate and bat seventh.
Sep 12 2021Alfaro (calf) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro left Saturday's game in the ninth inning due to calf tightness. The issue is evidently serious enough to sideline him for at least one game, though his exact timetable is not yet clear. Alex Jackson will catch Edward Cabrera on Sunday.
Sep 11 2021Alfaro was removed from Saturday's win over Atlanta with left calf tightness, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro pulled up while running the bases in the top of the ninth inning and was replaced defensively in the bottom half of the inning. The severity of the injury isn't yet clear, but Alex Jackson and Sandy Leon would be in line for increased time behind the dish if Alfaro is forced to miss additional time.
Sep 7 2021Alfaro (knee) is starting at catcher and batting sixth Tuesday versus the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He has been battling knee soreness and was out of the lineup Sunday. He returns to face Carlos Carrasco on Tuesday and will look to continue his recent success at the plate after batting .298 with five multi-hit performances over his last 13 games.
Sep 5 2021Alfaro has been dealing with knee soreness recently, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro didn't start Sunday's game, and Sandy Leon was used as a pinch hitter in the 10th inning. Manager Don Mattingly revealed after the loss that Leon served as the pinch hitter since Alfaro has been dealing with a knee injury. The severity of the injury isn't yet clear, but the 28-year-old should be considered day-to-day.
Aug 26 2021Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer in Thursday's 7-5 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro turned around a Patrick Corbin offering in the first inning to stake the Marlins to an early 4-0 lead. It was Alfaro's first long ball since July 5, ending his homerless skid at 36 games, and his fourth of the year. The 28-year-old catcher owns a meager .632 OPS in 269 plate appearances this season but has heated up as of late, hitting .346 (9-26) over his last seven contests.
Aug 22 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started all three games in left field to begin the four-game series in Cincinnati, going 4-for-12 with two RBI. He'll get a breather for the finale while the Marlins roll out an outfield of Bryan De La Cruz, Lewis Brinson and Jesus Sanchez from left to right.
Aug 18 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will head to the bench for the series finale after he started in each of the Marlins' previous seven games. He only made two starts at catcher during that stretch, with the rest of his work coming in left field (four starts) and first base (one start). Following Jesus Sanchez's recent return from the COVID-19 injured list, Alfaro may not have as clear of a path to playing time in the outfield, but his newfound versatility should allow the Marlins to get his bat in the lineup on a near-everyday basis.
Aug 11 2021Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI, a stolen base and two strikeouts in a 6-5 loss to San Diego on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Starting again in left field, Alfaro raked a two-run double in the first and singled and stole second in the fourth for his second three-hit game in his last three. The 28-year-old has been hot of late, going 8-for-23 over his last seven games, and the theft was his career-high sixth.
Aug 9 2021Alfaro (chest) is available for Monday's game against the Padres, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro was removed from Sunday's game in Colorado due to shortness of breath, but the issue won't force him to miss any additional time. Whether the 28-year-old starts in Monday's series opener against the Padres remains to be seen.
Aug 8 2021Alfaro was removed from Sunday's game against the Rockies during his at-bat in the third inning after experiencing "shortness of breath," Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro's body must not have cooperated with playing at altitude in Colorado, as Magneuris Sierra was summoned from the bench midway through the at-bat when Alfaro didn't feel right physically. The Marlins will return to action Monday in San Diego, and the expectation is that Alfaro will be ready to go for that contest after getting the rest of Sunday off to recuperate. Alfaro struck out in his lone at-bat Sunday before departing.
Aug 6 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup Friday against the Rockies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started once at catcher and twice in left field over the past three games, and he'll head to the bench for Friday's series opener. He could continue to see more time in left field if the Marlins want to get more action for Alex Jackson behind the plate. Sandy Leon will start at catcher and bat eighth Friday.
Aug 3 2021Alfaro will move from catcher to start in left field Tuesday against the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro has served as Miami's primary backstop this season, so the transition to left field is somewhat unexpected. The change could very possibly be related to transactions that will be made prior to Tuesday's first pitch, though no roster moves have been announced at this point.
Aug 2 2021Alfaro is not in the lineup Monday against the Mets, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will be on the bench for the second straight contest Monday. Alex Jackson, who was acquired from Atlanta on Friday, will start behind the plate in his Miami debut.
Aug 1 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup Sunday against the Yankees, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started the previous three games and will receive a day off after going 4-for-12 with a triple, a double, an RBI, a run and a stolen base. Sandy Leon will work behind the plate in the series finale.
Jul 28 2021Alfaro went 3-for-5 with a double in Wednesday's 8-7 loss to Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The catcher posted his first multi-hit performance since July 5. He's batting just .192 (10-for-52) this month. Alfaro has a .226/.271/.316 slash line with three home runs, 11 RBI and 10 runs scored through 188 plate appearances, but his poor hitting has led to a more even timeshare with Sandy Leon behind the dish.
Jul 27 2021Alfaro is not in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Orioles, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will sit for the second game in a row as Sandy Leon handles the catching duties once again. The two have seen a relatively even split in starts behind the plate in recent days, and that could remain the case during the season's final two-plus months.
Jul 25 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro and Sandy Leon have alternated turns behind the plate in six consecutive games, with both backstops picking up three starts apiece. Though the Marlins' caching situation has resembled a timeshare of late, Alfaro still appears to be Option 1A, given that he's the younger of the two and remains under club control for at least two more years.
Jul 23 2021Alfaro will be on the bench Friday against the Padres, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro sits for the second time in three games. Sandy Leon will take over behind the plate in his absence, catching Zach Thompson.
Jul 21 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Sandy Leon will get the nod behind the plate for the series finale, catching for starting pitcher Nick Neidert. Alfaro started four of the Marlins' first six games out of the All-Star break, going 2-for-16 with six strikeouts.
Jul 17 2021Alfaro will sit Saturday against the Phillies, Joe Frisaro of ManOnSecondBaseball.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro has been in a big slump over his last 10 games, striking out 16 times while recording just two hits. Sandy Leon will start behind the plate in his absence.
Jul 16 2021Alfaro isn't starting Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro struck out in each of his three at-bats in the first game of Friday's twin bill. Sandy Leon will take over behind the plate and bat seventh.
Jul 11 2021Alfaro is not in Sunday's lineup against Atlanta, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will get an extra day of rest prior to the All-Star break after starting the first two games of the team's weekend series. Sandy Leon will take his place behind the palte and hit seventh.
Jul 8 2021Alfaro is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Dodgers, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro sits for the early afternoon contest after starting three straight games behind the plate. Sandy Leon will catch Sandy Alcantara in his absence.
Jul 4 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup Sunday in Atlanta, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro is 2-for-31 with 16 strikeouts and a walk over his past nine games and will take a seat Sunday. Sandy Leon will work behind the plate in his place.
Jun 30 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Phillies, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After striking out in all four of his plate appearances in Tuesday's 4-3 loss, Alfaro will get a day off to clear his head. Sandy Leon will draw the start behind the dish, but Alfaro still appears locked in as Miami's No.1 catcher. Alfaro had caught all but one of the Marlins' previous 11 contests.
Jun 26 2021Alfaro isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Nationals, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro went 1-for-15 with six strikeouts across the last four games, and he'll get a breather Saturday. Sandy Leon will start behind the plate and bat seventh.
Jun 18 2021Alfaro went 3-for-3 with a double, a walk and two runs scored in Friday's 10-2 win over the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Friday was Alfaro's fourth multi-hit effort in 15 games in June. The catcher started the season cold before a hamstring injury cost him a month. Since returning May 25, he's hitting .310 (18-for-58) with two home runs, six RBI, seven runs scored a pair of stolen bases. Alfaro remains Miami's primary backstop ahead of Sandy Leon.
Jun 15 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Cardinals, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started the past two games and will take a seat for Tuesday's contest. Sandy Leon will work behind the plate in his place.
Jun 13 2021Alfaro (elbow) went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in Sunday's 6-4 loss to Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a one-game absence with a bruised elbow, Alfaro showed no ill effects. The catcher is slashing .272/.330/.383 with two home runs, nine RBI, six runs scored and three stolen bases across 88 plate appearances. Going forward, he should see the bulk of the playing time behind the dish.
Jun 11 2021Alfaro is day-to-day with a left elbow contusion after exiting Friday's game against Atlanta, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He was hit on the elbow by a pitch but X-rays came back negative. Alfaro was hitting .300 with one home run and 10 strikeouts in 30 June at-bats coming into play Friday.
Jun 10 2021Alfaro went 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in Thursday's 11-4 win over Colorado. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro notched just his third multi-hit game of the season. The catcher has hit safely in the last four games he's started. He's up to a .263/.317/.382 slash line with two home runs, nine RBI, five runs scored, three stolen bases and three doubles through 82 plate appearances.
Jun 9 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Sandy Leon will catch for the Marlins after Alfaro had been behind the plate for three of the previous four games. Since being reinstated from the injured list May 24, Alfaro has gone 9-for-36 (.250 average) with two home runs, two stolen bases, three runs and five RBI in 12 games.
Jun 7 2021Alfaro went 1-for-4 with one RBI, one walk and one stolen base Monday against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro got Miami on the board in the top of the fourth inning with an RBI single to center. He's registered a base knock in six of his last eight contests, registering two homers, five RBI and two stolen bases over that stretch.
Jun 6 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though he's sitting for the second time in the series, Alfaro still appears to have a lock on the No. 1 catching job over Sandy Leon, who is behind the plate Sunday. Since coming off the injured list May 25, Alfaro has gone 7-for-28 with two home runs, a double, a stolen base, four RBI and three runs in 10 games.
Jun 4 2021Alfaro is not in the lineup Friday against the Pirates, Joe Frisaro of ManOnSecondBaseball.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started the last three games and will take a seat for Friday's contest. Sandy Leon will work behind the plate in his absence.
May 29 2021Alfaro isn't starting Saturday's game against the Red Sox, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and a walk in Friday's loss to Boston. Sandy Leon will start behind the dish and bat eighth.
May 28 2021Alfaro went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and a walk in Friday's 5-2 loss to Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro put Miami on the board in the second inning with his first homer of the year. He's lost more than a month of playing time to a recurring left hamstring issue. In 47 plate appearances, the catcher has provided five RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base. Alfaro should remain Miami's primary backstop, although Sandy Leon provides a veteran option as his backup.
May 27 2021Alfaro is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Phillies, Andre Fernandez of Sirius XM Radio reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro was in the lineup for his first two games back with the team following a hamstring injury which sidelined him for over a month. He'll get a rest after going 1-for-7 in those games, with Sandy Leon starting behind the plate.
May 25 2021Alfaro (hamstring) will make his first start since April 20 on Tuesday after being activated from the 10-day injured list Monday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro was placed on the the 10-day injured list on April 20, but a mid-May setback in his rehab ultimately held him out over a month. The backstop will make his return to the lineup Tuesday against the Phillies, catching and batting seventh.
May 24 2021Alfaro (hamstring) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Monday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro isn't starting Monday's game against the Phillies, but he should be available off the bench and will likely take over as the primary catcher going forward. Alfaro missed over a month due to his hamstring strain, but he hit .229 with three RBI, a run and a stolen base in 10 games to begin the year.
May 21 2021Alfaro (hamstring) appeared in rehab games Wednesday and Thursday for Triple-A Jacksonville and will play in at least two more before returning from the injured list, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro was scratched from Jacksonville's lineup last Thursday due to soreness and remained shut down for five more days, but he's back on track now. He's schedule to serve as the designated hitter Friday before starting behind the plate Saturday. Whether or not that's his final rehab game remains to be seen.
May 18 2021Marlins manager Don Mattingly said Tuesday that Alfaro (hamstring) has been cleared to resume some baseball activities, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro had been shut down during his rehab assignment at Triple-A Jacksonville for the past few days due to a setback with his strained left hamstring, but he looks like he'll ready to begin ramping up again. Mattingly noted that Alfaro hasn't yet received the green light to start up a hitting progression, so the catcher may be a week or more away from appearing in minor-league games. Sandy Leon is expected to continue serving as the Marlins' primary backstop while Alfaro is on the mend.
May 14 2021Alfaro (hamstring) has been dealing with soreness on his left side, which explains why he hasn't played in the last few days while on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro has already missed over three weeks with a strained left hamstring. It's unclear if he's suffered a setback or is dealing with a new injury, but either way, he'll need to get healthy again and appear in a few more rehab games before the Marlins are ready to activate him.
May 12 2021Alfaro (hamstring) will need to demonstrate he can start back-to-back games on his rehab assignment before he'll be activated from the injured list, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The catcher began his rehab stint Tuesday at Triple-A Jacksonville by going 0-for-3. Alfaro could return to the Marlins' lineup as soon as this weekend if he proves he's ready for a starting workload.
May 9 2021Alfaro (hamstring) will report to Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old has been sidelined since April 20 by a hamstring strain, but he appears to be nearing his return from the injured list. Alfaro could rejoin the Marlins by the end of the week if all goes well during the rehab stint.
May 7 2021Alfaro (hamstring) has been catching bullpen sessions and is scheduled to run and hit live pitching over the weekend, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro has been out since April 20 with a strained left hamstring. It's not clear exactly when he's supposed to return, but he's trending in the right direction and shouldn't be out for too much longer, barring setbacks.
May 4 2021Alfaro (hamstring) has been cleared to take part in agility work and catching drills this week, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Alfaro's progression to baseball activities represents a step in the right direction, he doesn't look like he'll be ready to return from the 10-day injured list at any point during the Marlins' ongoing homestand. Sandy Leon and Chad Wallach will continue to work in a timeshare at catcher while Alfaro is on the mend.
Apr 21 2021Alfaro was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to a left hamstring strain. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro has been dealing with a left hamstring issue to begin the year and exited Tuesday's game against the Orioles as a result. He'll now be given additional time to recover after he was diagnosed with a strain, but it's not yet clear exactly when Alfaro will be able to return. Chad Wallach should serve as the team's primary catcher in Alfaro's absence, while Sandy Leon's contract was selected in a corresponding move.
Apr 20 2021Alfaro was removed from Tuesday's game against the Orioles with a left hamstring issue, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old missed a week earlier this season while dealing with left hamstring tightness, and it appears he's not fully recovered from the injury. Alfaro figures to take a seat for the day game in Wednesday's series finale, regardless of the severity of the injury.
Apr 18 2021Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started at catcher in four of the Marlins' last five games, so he'll likely just be getting a breather Sunday as Miami wraps up its series with San Francisco. Chad Wallach checks in behind the plate, batting eighth for the Marlins.
Apr 17 2021Alfaro went 2-for-6 with a double and three RBI in Saturday's 7-6 win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro hit a two-RBI double with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning to win the game. It was a nice day for Alfaro not only walking it off, but recording his first two-hit game and first three RBI of the year. Coming into Saturday, the catcher had twice as many strikeouts (10) as hits (5) this season.
Apr 15 2021Alfaro is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against Atlanta, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He is hitting .174 with a 41.7 percent strikeout rate through 23 at-bats. Chad Wallach will start at catcher and bat eighth.
Apr 13 2021Alfaro (hamstring) will start Tuesday's game against Atlanta, catching and batting eighth, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will play for the first time in a week after missing time with a tight hamstring. He went 3-for-14 at the plate in four games prior to suffering the injury. His return pushes Chad Wallach back to a bench role.
Apr 12 2021Alfaro has been scratched from Monday's lineup against Atlanta, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro was slated to return to the lineup after missing the last three games due to hamstring tightness, but he'll be a late scratch for the second time in the last three days, presumably due to his hamstring issue once again. It's not yet clear whether Alfaro will require time on the injured list. Chad Wallach will start behind the plate Monday, batting eighth.
Apr 11 2021Manager Don Mattingly said Alfaro (hamstring) won't play Sunday and could end up on the injured list, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old was a late scratch for Saturday's contest due to tightness in his left hamstring, and the team may decide whether a trip to the injured list is necessary Monday. Chad Wallach will work behind the plate Sunday in Alfaro's absence.
Apr 10 2021Alfaro was a late scratch from Saturday's lineup against the Mets due to lingering tightness in his left hamstring. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He was originally slated to return after missing two games with hamstring tightness, but apparently he didn't quite get through pregame warmups without still feeling the injury. Chad Wallach will enter the lineup in his place.
Apr 8 2021Alfaro will sit Thursday against the Mets due to hamstring tightness, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The injury explains why Alfaro finds himself on the bench for the second game in a row. Chad Wallach will make another start behind the plate, but Alfaro could return over the weekend following Friday's off day.
Apr 7 2021Alfaro isn't in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro had gone 2-for-8 with three strikeouts over the first two games of the series against the Cardinals. Chad Wallach will take over behind the dish for the series finale, batting eighth.
Apr 3 2021Alfaro will sit Saturday against Tampa Bay, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started the first two games of the year, going 1-for-6 with a walk, a steal and a run. Chad Wallach starts behind the plate Saturday.
Mar 30 2021Alfaro has gone 8-for-33 (.242) this spring with only one extra-base hit, a double, and a rough 3:15 BB:K in 15 Grapefruit League games. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old struggled at the plate in 2020 and lost his starting job down the stretch as a result, so his poor showing in March is far from encouraging. Alfaro is still penciled in at the top of the Marlins' depth chart to begin this season, however, and working in his favor is that neither of his potential backups, Chad Wallach or Sandy Leon, seem likely to provide any more offense than he can.
Mar 4 2021Alfaro drew praise Wednesday from Marlins manager Don Mattingly for the work he's put in to improve how he handles the pitching staff, Barry Jackson and Craig Mish of The Miami Herald report. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old was benched in the playoffs last season due in part to his poor game-calling, but Alfaro is the only catcher on the roster likely to supply much offense with regular playing time, as the alternatives are Chad Wallach (career .600 OPS) and Sandy Leon (career .611 OPS). The Marlins could look for a long-term solution at the position in this year's draft, but Alfaro will probably retain his starting spot for now, especially if he can regain the confidence of Miami's staff.
Jan 15 2021Alfaro signed a one-year, $2.05 million contract with the Marlins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old took a step back last season but is now officially under contract with Miami for 2021. Alfaro had a .624 OPS and 36 percent strikeout rate in 100 plate appearances last season and will battle Chad Wallach for the starting job behind the plate in spring training.
Sep 30 2020Alfaro remains out of the lineup Wednesday for Game 1 of the Marlins' wild-card series with the Cubs, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro had already been on the bench for three of the Marlins' final four regular-season games, and his absence from the lineup for Miami's playoff opener is yet another sign that he's settled into the No. 2 catcher role behind Chad Wallach. Though Alfaro has a better track record at the plate than Wallach for their respective careers, the former submitted a career-worst .624 OPS over his 100 plate appearances during the regular season.
Sep 27 2020Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will end the regular season by sitting for the third time in four games, but he's still expected to serve as the Marlins' top backstop when the team begins postseason play next week. Chad Wallach will step in behind the plate Sunday, catching for starting pitcher Jose Urena.
Sep 25 2020Alfaro is out of the lineup Friday against the Yankees, Andre Fernandez of Sirius XM Radio reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro has two hits in his last 16 at-bats and is on the bench for the second straight contest. Chad Wallach receives another start behind the plate for Miami.
Sep 24 2020Alfaro is not in Thursday's lineup against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He is hitting .230 with three home runs and one steal in 61 at-bats this month. Chad Wallach will start behind the dish and bat eighth.
Sep 20 2020Alfaro is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts during Game 1 and will head to the bench for the nightcap. Chad Wallach takes over behind the plate for Miami.
Sep 19 2020Alfaro will sit Saturday against the Nationals, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro technically finds himself on the bench two games in a row, though he did start the first game of Friday's doubleheader, so he isn't receiving two straight days off. Chad Wallach gets the nod behind the plate in his absence.
Sep 18 2020Alfaro isn't in the lineup for Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader against the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro returned to action during Friday's matinee after suffering a head injury Wednesday. However, he'll sit for Game 2 of the twin bill with Chad Wallach starting at catcher.
Sep 17 2020Alfaro (head) is not in the lineup Thursday against the Red Sox, Andre Fernandez of Sirius XM Radio reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro clubbed two homers before exiting Wednesday's contest after being struck in the mask by a foul ball, though he was cleared of a concussion after the game. Chad Wallach will take over behind the plate for Miami and bat ninth.
Sep 16 2020Alfaro cleared the concussion protocol after leaving Wednesday's win over the Red Sox, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old was pulled after being struck by a foul ball in the mask, but he still did plenty of damage before exiting as he went 2-for-3 with two homers and four RBI. The Marlins could keep Alfaro out of the lineup for a day or two if the team wants to play it safe, but he shouldn't miss any time beyond that.
Sep 14 2020Alfaro is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Phillies, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader with Philadelphia, going 0-for-1 with a walk. Though backup Chad Wallach started the second contest, the Marlins will have him check back in behind the plate for Monday's afternoon contest, giving Alfaro some additional time to rest up. Expect Alfaro to re-enter the lineup in Tuesday's series opener versus the Red Sox.
Sep 13 2020Alfaro is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started behind the plate in Game 1 and went 0-for-1 with a walk. Chad Wallach will catch for the Marlins in the nightcap.
Sep 11 2020Alfaro will not start the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Phillies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Catchers very rarely start twice in one day, so it's no surprise to see Alfaro sit here. Chad Wallach takes over behind the plate in his absence, though Alfaro should return to the lineup for the nightcap.
Sep 8 2020Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, an additional RBI and a stolen base in Tuesday's win over the Braves. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro entered the contest having gone 1-for-17 over his previous six games but was able to break through with a pair of hits in the win. He notched his first homer of the season with a 415-foot blast in the third inning and added another RBI with a single in the fourth. Alfaro has had a hard time getting going at the plate after opening the season on the COVID-19 injured list. Through 55 plate appearances, he is slashing .180/.255/.280.
Sep 6 2020Alfaro is not in Sunday's starting lineup, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will take a breather as the Marlins have a day game after Saturday night's contest. Chad Wallach will take his place behind the dish and bat ninth.
Sep 1 2020Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI and a stolen base in Monday's win over the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The multi-hit performance was his first of the year, as was his steal. Alfaro hasn't been able to get going at the plate since coming off the COVID-19 list, slashing .207/.281/.276 through nine games, but Monday's effort may be a sign that he's finding his timing.
Aug 30 2020Alfaro is not in the lineup Sunday against the Rays. Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started the past three games and will receive a day off after going 1-for-10 with four strikeouts. Chad Wallach will start behind the plate Sunday for the Marlins.
Aug 25 2020Alfaro is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started behind the plate in Game 1 and went 0-for-2 with a run scored. Brian Navarreto will bat ninth and catch for Trevor Rogers in the matinee.
Aug 23 2020Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals, Andre Fernandez of Sirius XM Radio reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro caught the first game of Saturday's doubleheader and was set to sit out the second game, but he was forced into action when Francisco Cervelli exited after two innings with a concussion. Manager Don Mattingly may just want to be cautious with Alfaro's initial workload after the 27-year-old just returned to action this weekend for his 2020 debut after missing nearly a month of action while recovering from COVID-19. Brian Navarreto will spell Alfaro behind the dish Sunday.
Aug 22 2020Alfaro is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Nations, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro started at catcher in the matinee and went 0-for-3 with one strikeout. Francisco Cervelli will start behind the plate in the nightcap.
Aug 21 2020Alfaro was activated off the COVID-19 injured list Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old tested positive for the virus before Opening Day and was placed on the injured list, but he resumed official workouts earlier this week and is now back on the active roster. Alfaro is expected to reclaim his starting role behind the plate, shifting Francisco Cervelli to reserve duty.
Aug 18 2020Alfaro was one of 18 Marlins that tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this season who received clearance Saturday to resume baseball activities at the team's alternate training site in Jupiter, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro was one of the first Miami players who was known to have tested positive, as the team placed him on the injured list before the team's ill-fated season-opening series in Philadelphia. Though he's now made a full recovery from the coronavirus, the three-plus weeks of activity that he missed while waiting to clear all protocols means he'll likely need several days worth of workouts before Miami deems him ready to return from the IL. Once he's activated, Alfaro is expected to unseat Francisco Cervelli as the Marlins' top backstop.
Jul 26 2020Alfaro is on the injured list due to a positive COVID-19 test, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He will need back-to-back negative tests to be cleared to rejoin the team. In addition to Alfaro, Jose Urena, Garrett Cooper and Harold Ramirez have also tested positive. Francisco Cervelli and Chad Wallach will handle the catching duties for now.
Jul 24 2020Alfaro's placement on the injured list Friday is likely due to COVID-19, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Marlins haven't officially confirmed the reason for Alfaro's absence, but manager Don Mattingly's refusal to address the reasoning for the move directly parallels the non-answers given by teams in other known coronavirus cases. Francisco Cervelli will be the Marlins' top catcher in his absence.
Apr 9 2020Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill confirmed Thursday that Alfaro (oblique) has regained full health since the MLB season was suspended in mid-March, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Had the regular season begun March 26 as initially planned, Alfaro might not have been ready to play, as he had been sidelined for a couple weeks before spring training was suspended due to a left oblique strain. The delayed start to the season has now afforded Alfaro ample time to move past the issue, so he should be a full participant in workouts when the Marlins are allowed to reconvene. He'll serve as the team's top backstop once again in 2020 after posting a .737 OPS in his first season with the club.
Mar 20 2020Alfaro (oblique) should be 100 percent healthy once MLB is ready to resume play. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The catcher was making steady progress in his recovery from a strained oblique suffered in late February, and per Joe Frisaro and Christina de Nicola of MLB.com, Alfaro had been set to take live batting practice last weekend before camp was suspended. He'll handle No. 1 duties behind the plate for Miami after slugging a career-high 18 homers in 2019.
Mar 4 2020Marlins manager Don Mattingly said Wednesday that doctors have cleared Alfaro (oblique) for some light hitting and catching activities, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mattingly relayed that he expects Alfaro's progression to full workouts will take "a little bit," but the Marlins are still anticipating that the backstop will be ready to go by the time Opening Day arrives March 26. Alfaro has been idle for the past week with a left oblique strain, an injury that can often carry a volatile recovery timeline. Alfaro is probably at least a week away from catching in Grapefruit League games, so in the meantime, top backup Francisco Cervelli should pick up some more work behind the plate.
Feb 29 2020Alfaro (oblique) won't swing a bat and likely won't throw for a couple of days, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll be able to run to stay in shape, but the Marlins aren't taking any chances with their No. 1 catcher this early in the spring. "We feel like it's something we caught it early enough," Mattingly said. "He didn't keep swinging, try to keep playing. Hopefully we're on top of it and it turns into a three-, four-, five-day thing instead of a three-week thing. But we'll see." If Alfaro avoids aggravating the oblique issue, he could return to action sometime next week.
Feb 27 2020Alfaro was removed from Thursday's lineup against the Mets with left oblique tightness, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ryan Lavarnway will bat eighth and handle catching duties Thursday. Alfaro is coming off his first season in Miami, hitting .262/.312/.425 with 18 home runs, 57 RBI and 44 runs scored across 465 plate appearances. The 26-year-old should be considered day-to-day.
Sep 27 2019Alfaro is not in the lineup for Friday's game at Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will head to the bench for the second straight contest after starting 12 of the previous 13 games. Tyler Heineman will take over behind the plate, batting eighth.
Sep 26 2019Alfaro is not starting Thursday against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro heads to the bench for what appears to be a routine day off following four straight starts. Tyler Heineman is starting at catcher and hitting eighth in this one.
Sep 23 2019Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs, five RBI and a walk to help the Marlins to an 8-4 victory over the Mets on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The backstop checked in with his 16th and 17th homers of the season, going yard in the second and sixth innings off Steven Matz as part of a five-RBI day. It's been a respectable if unspectacular campaign at the dish for Alfaro, who is slashing .263/.313/.421 over 125 games.
Sep 18 2019Alfaro (hand) will start Wednesday against Arizona, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro left Tuesday's game with a bruised hand after getting struck by a batter's backswing. The issue evidently wasn't particularly serious as he won't wind up missing any time. He'll catch and bat fifth Wednesday.
Sep 17 2019Alfaro left Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks in the second inning with a left hand contusion, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The team is listing him as day-to-day. He initially stayed in after getting hit on the wrist by a backswing, but then was forced to exit. Alfaro went 0-for-1 before being replaced by Bryan Holaday.
Sep 15 2019Alfaro went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The catcher broke open a scoreless tie in the top of the seventh inning by hammering a Madison Bumgarner curveball 473 feet to left-center field. It's Alfaro's first homer since Aug. 27 and his 15th of the year, and his .268/.312/.420 slash line is remarkably similar to the numbers he put up in Philadelphia last season.
Sep 11 2019Alfaro is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He is 8-for-21 (.381) with zero home runs and a 7:5 K:BB in seven games this month. Bryan Holaday will start behind the dish and hit eighth.
Sep 6 2019Alfaro is not in Friday's lineup against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro has been red-hot at the plate, hitting .425 with three home runs and two doubles over his last 10 games. Bryan Holaday is starting behind the dish and hitting eighth.
Sep 3 2019Alfaro will head to the bench for Tuesday's game against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alfaro will receive another day to rest after sitting out Sunday and benefitting from a scheduled off day Monday. Bryan Holaday slots in behind the dish and will bat eighth.
Sep 1 2019Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.
Aug 28 2019Alfaro is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Reds, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
Aug 27 2019Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and two runs scored Tuesday against the Reds.
Aug 25 2019Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
Aug 22 2019Alfaro is not in Thursday's lineup against the Braves, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.
Aug 16 2019Alfaro is not in Friday's lineup against the Rockies.
Aug 15 2019Alfaro went 3-for-4 with a double, walk, three RBI and a run scored Thursday against the Dodgers.
Aug 10 2019Alfaro is not in Saturday's lineup against the Braves, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
Aug 7 2019Alfaro is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.
Aug 5 2019Alfaro isn't in the starting lineup for the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the Mets.
Aug 4 2019Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.
Aug 1 2019Alfaro is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Twins, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.
Jul 30 2019Alfaro (quadriceps) is catching and batting eighth Tuesday against the Twins, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.
Jul 29 2019Manager Don Mattingly said Alfaro is dealing with a minor quadriceps injury, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.
Jul 28 2019Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.
Jul 28 2019Alfaro is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 23 2019Alfaro went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's loss to the White Sox.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 20 2019Alfaro is not in the lineup Saturday against the Dodgers, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 19 2019Alfaro went 2-for-4 with an RBI double in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Dodgers.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 17 2019Alfaro is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Padres, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 14 2019Alfaro is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 7 2019Alfaro went 3-for-5 with a double, RBI and a run Saturday in the Marlins' 5-4 win over the Braves.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 3 2019Alfaro is not in Wednesday's lineup<\/a> against the Nationals.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 1 2019Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's loss to the Phillies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 29 2019Alfaro is not in Saturday's lineup<\/a> against the Phillies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 28 2019Alfaro was reinstated from the 7-day concussion IL on Friday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 21 2019Alfaro was removed from Thursday's game against the Cardinals to be evaluated for a concussion, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 21 2019Alfaro was placed on the 7-day concussion injured list Friday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 21 2019Alfaro (head) will not start Friday against the Phillies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 19 2019Alfaro is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Cardinals, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 16 2019Alfaro is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 12 2019Alfaro is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 9 2019Alfaro will sit Sunday against the Braves, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 5 2019Alfaro will sit Wednesday against the Brewers, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 2 2019Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a home run, double and four RBI in Sunday's 9-3 win at Petco Park.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 2 2019Alfaro (jaw) is starting behind the plate and batting seventh Sunday at San Diego, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 1 2019Alfaro is not in the lineup Saturday against the Padres after taking a foul tip off his mask in Friday's contest, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 30 2019Alfaro is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Giants, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 29 2019Alfaro went 4-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Giants.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 28 2019Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in an 11-3 victory against the Giants on Tuesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 24 2019Alfaro went 3-for-5 with a solo home run, three RBI and two runs in a 12-10 loss against the Nationals on Friday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 23 2019Alfaro will start at catcher and bat eighth Thursday against the Tigers, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 21 2019Alfaro (calf) is back in the lineup as the designated hitter Tuesday against the Tigers, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 19 2019Alfaro (calf) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 18 2019Alfaro is considered day-to-day with a mild left calf strain, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 18 2019Alfaro left Saturday's game against the Mets after colliding with Robinson Cano at second base, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 17 2019Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBI in Friday's 8-6 win over the Mets.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 16 2019Alfaro went 2-for-4 with two doubles Wednesday in the Marlins' 1-0 loss to the Rays.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 9 2019Alfaro is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 25 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup against the Dodgers on Wednesday.Alfaro will receive a standard day off for maintenance purposes after going 1-for-6 with one home run, two RBI and four strikeouts during Tuesday's extra-innings victory. In his place, Andrew Knapp will handle the catching duties and bat atop the order.
Jul 22 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup for the first game of Sunday's doubleheader against the Padres, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic Philadelphia reports.Alfaro will get a breather for the first half of the twin bill, but expect him to return behind the plate for the second game, catching for Vince Velasquez. Andrew Knapp will serve as the Phillies' backstop in Game 1.
Jul 15 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup Sunday against the Marlins, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.After starting behind the plate in each of the past three days, Alfaro will get a breather in the series finale, affording Andrew Knapp a turn at catcher. Alfaro heads into the All-Star break with a .254 average, six home runs, 21 RBI and 22 runs across 243 plate appearances on the season.
Jul 12 2018Alfaro went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, three RBI and two runs in a 5-4 win over Baltimore on Thursday.Alfaro's big day at the dish busted a month-long home run drought, with his last one coming back on June 13. The 25-year-old catcher also avoided striking out after recording at least one in his last seven appearances. On the year, he's slashing .253/.301/.398 with six homers, 90 strikeouts and just 10 walks.
Jul 11 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup against the Mets on Wednesday, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.Alfaro will take a seat after starting the past two games. In his place, Andrew Knapp will handle the catching duties and bat ninth in the order.
Jul 9 2018Alfaro is not starting the first half of Monday's doubleheader against the Mets.Alfaro is sitting for the third time in four games, though he was always likely to sit in one half of Monday's twin bill, so it's tough to conclude that he's definitely lost the starting job to Andrew Knapp. Knapp's .222/.308/.393 slash line slightly edges out Alfaro's .245/.289/.377, though Alfaro has the edge defensively and has the greater prospect pedigree, so the Phillies are likely to keep him in the lineup as often as possible to let him work through his offensive struggles.
Jul 8 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup Sunday against the Pirates, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.Alfaro will sit for the second time in the series after going 1-for-4 with a double and three strikeouts in Saturday's contest. Andrew Knapp checks in behind the plate and will serve as the Phillies' leadoff man.
Jul 6 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup Friday against the Pirates, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic Philadelphia reports.Alfaro continues to edge fellow catcher Andrew Knapp for playing time, though the split has been fairly even recently, with Knapp getting the call for the sixth time in the last 13 games. Alfaro's .246/.291/.377 slash line is mediocre at best, and his 38.2 percent strikeout rate is the third-highest among all hitters with at least 200 plate appearances, but his defense has given him some value, as he's caught runners attempting to steal a league-high 17 times.
Jul 3 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup against the Orioles on Tuesday, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.Alfaro will retreat to the pine after a pair of starts behind the plate. In his place, Andrew Knapp will catch Zach Eflin and bat seventh in the order.
Jun 29 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup against Washington on Friday, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reports.He will be replaced by Andrew Knapp in the starting lineup after going 2-for-3 with a walk during Thursday's series opener. Over the month of June, Alfaro has slashed just .217/.254/.333 with one home run, two RBI and 23 strikeouts, which has allowed Knapp to sneak back into the picture.
Jun 24 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup Sunday against the Nationals, Matt Gelb of The Athletic Philadelphia reports.Alfaro had worked his way into a full-time starting role in the month of May after starting the year in a timeshare with Andrew Knapp. The timeshare seems to have returned, as Knapp has started six of the Phillies' last 13 games.
Jun 22 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup against Washington on Friday, Matt Gelb of the Philly Inquirer reports.Alfaro will retreat to the bench after a pair of starts, including a 1-for-4 showing with a double during Wednesday's series finale versus the Cardinals. Andrew Knapp will handle the catching duties in his stead.
Jun 18 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Cardinals, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.Alfaro will give way to Andrew Knapp behind the dish after going 1-for-5 with a double and a run scored in Sunday's win over the Brewers. The backstop is hitting just .241/.286/.385 with five homers through 53 games this season after hitting .318/.360/.514 with five homers in 29 games during the final two months of 2017.
Jun 16 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup for Saturday's game at Milwaukee, Matt Gelb of The Athletic Philadelphia reports.Alfaro will head to the bench for the third time in the last six games, as he has struggled with a .152/.176/.303 slash line through 33 at-bats in June. Andrew Knapp will start at catcher and bat seventh for the Phillies.
Jun 14 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup against Colorado on Thursday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.Alfaro will receive a breather for the Phillies' getaway matinee as Andrew Knapp is set to handle the catching duties. Look for Alfaro to rejoin the starting nine during Friday's series opener in Milwaukee.
Jun 13 2018Alfaro went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's loss to the Rockies.The RBI was his first since the calendar flipped to June, as the catcher is hitting just .172 (5-for-29) in the month. Alfaro also struck out in this one -- marking six straight games with at least one strikeout -- and he now sports a concerningly high 39.7 strikeout percentage on the year.
Jun 10 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup Sunday against the Brewers, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.Alfaro, who started Friday and Saturday and went a combined 2-for-7 with three strikeouts, will take a seat for Sunday's matinee game in what amounts to a routine off day. Andrew Knapp checks in behind the plate in the series finale, catching for right-hander Zach Eflin.
Jun 7 2018Alfaro is out of the starting nine against the Cubs on Thursday, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.Alfaro will receive a standard breather following four straight starts, including an 0-for-3 day at the plate during Wednesday's loss. In his absence, Andrew Knapp will catch Nick Pivetta and bat seventh.
Jun 1 2018Alfaro is out of Friday's lineup against the Giants, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.He is red hot at the plate, with seven hits (five doubles) over his last 14 at-bats, but as he has started the last four games, he will head to the bench. Andrew Knapp will start behind the dish and hit seventh.
May 31 2018Alfaro went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI Thursday against the Dodgers.Alfaro drove in both of the Phillies' runs with a single in the second inning and double in the seventh inning. The performance extended his hit streak to four games and he has recorded a double in each of them. While that is a promising stretch, his high strikeout rate and low spot in the batting order hold back his counting stat contributions.
May 30 2018Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles, an RBI, a run scored and a strikeout in Tuesday's win over the Dodgers.The extra-base hits were his second and third over the past two games, while the RBI was just his first in nine games. The backstop has rebounded from a slow start by hitting .290 in May, but is still striking out at a career-worst 40.3 percent clip on the year.
May 27 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup Sunday against the Blue Jays.After making six straight starts, Alfaro will receive a well-earned day off now that Andrew Knapp is back after suffering a finger injury a week ago. Alfaro is slashing .267/.313/.350 with four walks and 25 strikeouts in May.
May 20 2018Alfaro (knee) is back in the lineup Sunday against the Cardinals.Alfaro has been battling some right knee soreness in recent days but apparently he's feeling well enough to resume catching duties. The 24-year-old has four homers and is batting .265 although that average seems extremely fortunate given his 40.2 percent strikeout rate.
May 19 2018Alfaro (knee) will catch Zach Eflin and bat fifth in the order for Saturday's game against St. Louis, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.Alfaro was forced to exit Friday's game due to right knee soreness but the 23-year-old won't require any additional time off as he avoided any sort of major injury. Through 30 games this season, he's hitting .258/.321/.392 with four home runs and nine RBI.
May 19 2018Alfaro was scratched from Saturday's lineup after testing his knee prior to the game, Matt Breen of the Philly Inquirer reports.Alfaro will wind up needing a little time off after all following Friday's removal due to a sore right knee. The catcher was initially plugged into Saturday's starting nine, but he clearly felt a little uncomfortable during pregame activities, so manager Gabe Kapler will give Alfaro the day off in order to get some rest. In his place, Andrew Knapp will catch and bat eighth in the order. Consider Alfaro day-to-day ahead of Sunday's series finale.
May 18 2018Alfaro left Friday's game against the Cardinals with right knee soreness, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia InquirerMatt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.Alfaro didn't come out for the bottom of the fifth, which was curious as he didn't bat in the top of the frame. Expect an update before Saturday's game, but consider Alfaro day-to-day for now.
May 16 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Orioles, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.Even though Tuesday's contest was postponed, Phillies manager Gabe Kapler will stick with the same starting nine he intended to use, resulting in Alfaro hitting the bench in favor of Andrew Knapp. Neither backstop has been consistently productive on the offensive end this season, but Alfaro seems to be the clear No. 1 option with his bat having heated up in the last couple weeks. Alfaro is slashing a .326/.370/.535 over his last 12 starts, with three of his four home runs on the season coming during that stretch.
May 15 2018Alfaro is on the bench for Tuesday's game in Baltimore.Alfaro has moved into a clear starting catcher role, getting the nod in 10 of the last 12 games prior to Tuesday's contest. He's rewarded his manager's faith by hitting .314/.368/.486 over that time span. Andrew Knapp will start behind the plate in his place Tuesday.
May 9 2018Alfaro will get a day off Wednesday against the Giants.The Phillies' catcher situation was murky earlier in the year, but since April 27, Alfaro has started nine of 12 games, so he looks like a true starting catcher at the moment. The regular playing time seems to be having a positive effect, as he's hitting an impressive .313/.371/.594 with three homers over that stretch. The one blemish remains the strikeout rate, which sits 40.0 percent over those nine games and 43.8 percent on the season. Andrew Knapp will start in his place Wednesday.
May 8 2018Alfaro went 1-for-2 with a walk and solo home run Tuesday against the Giants.Alfaro hit his fourth home run of the season, this one coming in the second inning off Derek Holland. It was his first home run off a left-handed pitcher this season, and he has struggled against them throughout his short career, managing just a .241 slugging percentage in 64 plate appearances. He remains the starting catcher for the Phillies and has provided decent power production relative to the position.
May 5 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup against Washington on Saturday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.Alfaro will receive a standard day off following four straight starts behind the plate, including an 0-for-4 game with three strikeouts during Friday's series opener. In his place, Andrew Knapp will catch and bat ninth.
May 1 2018Alfaro is in the lineup for the fourth time in five games Tuesday against the Marlins.The Phillies' catcher situation has been very fluid this season. Andrew Knapp started the first two games, followed by a period in which Alfaro started nine of 11. Knapp then started seven of the next 11 before this most recent period in which Alfaro appears to be the preferred choice again. Neither catcher has done much at the plate, but Alfaro's 66 wRC+ is at least better than Knapp's 31. Alfaro also has more prospect pedigree, so expect the Phillies to favor him unless Knapp clearly outplays him.
May 1 2018Alfaro went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run Monday against the Marlins.The home run came with one out in the second inning off Dan Straily and gave the Phillies a 2-0 lead, though they went on to lose 8-4. The young catcher will need to continue hitting homers in order to provide value to the Phillies and to fantasy owners, since he's not likely to to much else with the bat. His strikeout rate still sits at 42.4 percent, more than five percentage points higher than any qualified hitter last year, and his track record suggests that number won't drop all that far. It's hard to have an on-base percentage of even .300 while missing that many pitches, and Alfaro's currently sits at .273. Still, the offensive bar at catcher is quite low, so Alfaro isn't all that far off from being a productive player.
Apr 29 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup Sunday against the Braves, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.After homering as part of a three-hit effort in Friday's series opener, Alfaro was rewarded with another turn behind the dish Saturday, only to go hitless while striking out twice in four at-bats. The 25-year-old owns a lowly .193/.258/.298 batting line for the season and has struck out in 43.5 percent of his plate appearances, which has prevented him from capturing a larger share of catching duties. Fortunately for Alfaro, Andrew Knapp isn't performing much better, so it looks like the two will see roughly even workloads until one player separates himself from the other.
Apr 27 2018Alfaro went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in Friday's 7-3 win over the Braves.The homer was his second of the season, and Alfaro broke out of a 1-for-17 slump over his last six games with Friday's performance. The 24-year-old's .208/.276/.321 slash line on the year still isn't very impressive, but with Andrew Knapp hitting even worse than he is, Alfaro should continue to get plenty of opportunities to heat up and wrest away more playing time behind the plate.
Apr 22 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup Sunday against the Pirates, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.Alfaro will be on the bench for the fifth time in the last eight games and looks to have fallen behind Andrew Knapp on the depth chart for the time being. Both backstops maintain on-base percentages below .300 and strikeout rates above 30 percent for the season, however, so Alfaro should still have a shot at recapturing the primary catching gig if his bat heats up and Knapp's production doesn't take a dramatic step forward.
Apr 20 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup Friday against the Pirates, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.The Colombian catcher will head to the bench for the second time in three games after hitting just .175 in his first 13 contests. Andrew Knapp will take over behind the plate for the evening.
Apr 18 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Braves.Alfaro will remain on the bench for the second straight contest as Andrew Knapp draws another start behind the plate. Over the course of 12 appearances this season, Alfaro is hitting just .194/.275/.278 with one home run, three RBI and 18 strikeouts in 36 at-bats.
Apr 17 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup Tuesday against the Braves, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.The 24-year-old is now hitting .200 after an 0-for-3 showing Monday. He'll head to the bench for another night off, allowing Andrew Knapp to log a start behind the dish Tuesday.
Apr 15 2018Alfaro is out of Sunday's lineup against the Rays, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.After starting the last three games, Alfaro will head to the bench. He is hitting just .219 with a 44.4 percent strikeout rate through 32 at-bats, and if he can't cut down on the strikeouts, his batting average should remain near the Mendoza Line. Andrew Knapp will start behind the dish and hit eighth.
Apr 9 2018Alfaro has hit the two hardest balls by Phillies batters this season and has five of the six hardest hits by Phillies in the Statcast era (2015-present), Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.Alfaro is crushing the ball when he gets a hold of it. His single against the Marlins on Saturday was the hardest hit by a Phillie in the Statcast era, while his homer from the same game is tied for the third-hardest. His problem remains how often he hits the ball, as he owns a 52.9 percent strikeout rate this season and a 33.8 percent rate in his 40-game major-league career. He has a solid .292/.345/.467 line in those 40 games, though it's taken a .420 BABIP to get to that point. Given how hard he hits the ball, he could run a higher-than-average BABIP, but that number is still likely to regress quite a bit, bringing his batting average down with it. If he keeps up his high exit velocity, however, he may manage to be a productive hitter despite not making very much contact.
Apr 8 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Marlins, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.Alfaro will be given the afternoon off following his impressive Saturday performance in which he went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in a 20-1 rout of the Marlins. Fellow backstop Andrew Knapp will handle catching duties in Jake Arrieta's team debut.
Apr 7 2018Alfaro went went 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored Saturday against the Marlins.Alfaro has struggled out of the gates this season, striking out in nine of his 17 plate appearances. However, he connected for his first home run and extra-base hit of the season Saturday as part of the Phillies' barrage against the Marlins. After sitting Opening Day, Alfaro has gotten more consistent playing time but has failed to show he can produce enough to be worth attention in single catcher mixed leagues.
Apr 4 2018Alfaro is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Mets, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic Philadelphia reports.Manager Gabe Kapler is likely just giving Alfaro a breather on getaway day after the 24-year-old caught all nine innings of Tuesday's 2-0 loss. Alfaro has struck out in six of his seven at-bats this season and will need to make strides with his plate discipline to hold off backup Andrew Knapp for the starting gig.
Mar 30 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup Friday against the Braves.Alfaro was expected to be the Phillies' starting catcher this season, but Andrew Knapp has received the first two starts behind the plate. Manager Gabe Kapler says that both catchers will start three of the opening six games, though he doesn't appear to be alternating between the two. It may take a few weeks before the playing time breakdown becomes clear.
Mar 29 2018Manager Gabe Kapler indicated that Alfaro, who is not in the lineup for Thursday's Opening Day matchup against the Braves, could split time behind the dish with Andrew Knapp this season, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.Alfaro was the favorite to garner the majority of starts behind the dish this season, but Knapp drew the Opening Day assignment and Kapler said that he sees each backstop starting three of the Phillies' first six games. The 24-year-old prospect impressed in a small sample size with the big club last season, hitting .318/.360/.514 with five homers in 114 plate appearances, but he could struggle at times in his first full year in the majors.
Mar 29 2018Alfaro is not in the lineup on Thursday against the Braves.The switch-hitting Andrew Knapp gets the start against righty Julio Teheran. Despite this, Alfaro still seems likely to get the majority of the starts behind the dish unless he is completely lost at the plate.
Mar 12 2018Alfaro reported to spring training at 238 pounds and is hopeful that the lighter frame will make him more agile behind the plate as he prepares to handle the bulk of the Phillies' catching duties in 2018, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.With no minor-league options remaining for Alfaro, the Phillies appear set to sink or swim with the 24-year-old behind the plate in 2018 after he impressed in a small sample of extended playing time late last season. While Alfaro turned heads mostly through his slugging at the plate -- he provided five home runs and six doubles in 114 plate appearances -- senior advisor Larry Bowa said the backstop has been "much improved" defensively so far in spring training. Alfaro has always had a cannon of a throwing arm, so if he can make strides with his footwork and framing this season like the Phillies believe he can, it should assuage concerns about him having to move off the position.
Feb 8 2018Alfaro appears to be the top catcher on the Phillies' depth chart heading into spring training, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.Although his strong 2017 showing has him riding high into 2018, don't ignore the shortcomings in his game. Alfaro stuck out 33 times in 107 at-bats, while walking just three times in that span. His .318 batting average certainly looks good on paper, but that was likely inflated by a huge .420 BABIP. The 24-year-old has a lot of power upside now that he has a path to regular playing time, but there appears to be a very good chance for regression this season as well.
Oct 1 2017Alfaro (head) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Mets.Alfaro exited Saturday's game with an apparent head injury and will subsequently be withheld from the starting lineup a day later. Andrew Knapp takes over behind the plate, batting seventh.
Oct 1 2017Alfaro was removed from Saturday's game after he was hit in the head making a play at home plate, Ben Harris of MLB.com reports.Juan Lagares' left elbow hit the right side of Alfaro's head as the catcher made the tag at the plate. Alfaro was down for a bit before walking off the field under his own power. Manager Pete Mackanin said he removed Alfaro from the game for precautionary reasons. The 24-year-old catcher may be done for the season if Mackanin wants to give him a day off Sunday after the scare at home plate.
Sep 25 2017Alfaro is out of the lineup Monday against the Nationals.Over the last seven games Alfaro has gone 3-for-17 (.176) and struck out five times. He'll head to the bench while Andrew Knapp draws the start at catcher.
Sep 23 2017Alfaro is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Braves.Alfaro was behind the plate for four of the last five games, but he went just 1-for-14 over that span, so he will be held out Saturday in favor of Cameron Rupp.
Sep 23 2017Alfaro is not in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Braves.Alfaro was behind the plate for four of the last five games, but he went just 1-for-14 over that span, so he will be held out Saturday in favor of Cameron Rupp.
Sep 20 2017Alfaro is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Dodgers.Alfaro heads to the bench for a regular maintenance day following a pair of starts. In his place, Andrew Knapp will draw the assignment behind the plate for Wednesday's affair.
Sep 17 2017Alfaro is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the A's.The Phillies continue to frequently shuffle their starters at the catching position. Despite going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI during Saturday's win, Alfaro will head to the bench in favor of Cameron Rupp behind the plate.
Sep 15 2017Alfaro is not in the lineup against the A's on Friday, Ryan Lawrence of The Philly Voice reports.Alfaro receives a standard day off after going 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Thursday's contest. In his place, Andrew Knapp draws the start behind the plate.
Sep 15 2017Alfaro went 1-for-4 with a solo home run during Thursday's win over Miami.The 24-year-old backstop is having a nice late-season stretch for the Phillies. Alfaro sports a .308/.349/.449 slash line with three homers, nine RBI and eight runs through just 83 plate appearances. However, his 31.3 strikeout percentage and .429 BABIP suggest that he's likely overachieving, though.
Sep 13 2017Alfaro is not in the lineup against the Marlins on Wednesday, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.Alfaro heads to the bench following two straight starts, including a 1-for-6 day at the plate during Tuesday's victory. In his place, Cameron Rupp will handle the catching duties.
Sep 12 2017Alfaro will continue to receive the majority of the playing time behind the plate over the remainder of the season, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.Andrew Knapp (hand) was activated Tuesday and manager Pete Mackanin now has three catching options at his disposal, but the Phillies will give Alfaro most of the reps as they evaluate for 2018. Alfaro is hitting .324 in 73 plate appearances with the big club, but he's been fortunate with a .455 BABIP. His 30.1 percent strikeout rate hints at the possibility of significant regression over the final few weeks.
Sep 7 2017Manager Pete Mackanin indicated Alfaro could see additional playing time this month, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.Alfaro is out of options after this season, so the Phillies are going to have to keep him on their active roster next year. It makes sense to give him more at-bats as the team looks to the future. The 24-year-old has hit .362/.393/.448 with a home run in 58 at-bats while splitting time behind the plate with Cameron Rupp.
Sep 6 2017Alfaro is not in the lineup against the Mets on Wednesday, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.Alfaro will take a seat following a 3-for-5 day at the plate during Tuesday's victory. Cameron Rupp draws the assignment in his absence.
Aug 30 2017Alfaro is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Braves, Stephen Gross of The Morning Call reports.Alfaro will spend the second portion of the twin bill on the bench after catching Game 1. In his place, Cameron Rupp gets the nod behind the plate, while batting sixth.
Aug 28 2017Alfaro is out of the lineup Monday against the Braves, Matt Gelb of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.Alfaro is still expected to see the bulk of the starts behind the dish while Andrew Knapp (hand) remains on the disabled list, but he'll sit for a second straight day due to manager Pete Mackanin's earlier commitment to use Cameron Rupp as the primary catcher for Monday's starter, Aaron Nola. Look for Alfaro to draw back into the lineup Tuesday as the batterymate for Mark Leiter.
Aug 27 2017Alfaro is out of the lineup Sunday against the Cubs, Stephen Gross of The Allentown Morning Call reports.After assuming catching duties for the first two games of the series, Alfaro will cede those honors to Cameron Rupp in the finale. With a .333 average since joining the Phillies earlier this month, Alfaro has secured his place ahead of Rupp on the depth chart, but the 24-year-old could move down a rung when Andrew Knapp (hand) eventually returns from the disabled list.
Aug 24 2017Alfaro is out of the lineup for Thursday's matinee against the Marlins.Alfaro will spend the afternoon on the bench following two straight starts behind the plate. In his place, Cameron Rupp is set to catch Jake Thompson for the series finale.
Aug 22 2017Alfaro is out of the lineup for the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday with the Marlins.Phillies manager Pete Mackanin previously stated that Cameron Rupp would catch exclusively for Aaron Nola and Jerad Eickhoff the rest of the season, so it's no surprise that Alfaro will hit the bench with Nola starting Game 1. Alfaro should be behind the dish in Game 2 when Nick Pivetta takes the hill, and looks bound to see the larger share of starts at catcher until Andrew Knapp (hand) returns in September. Alfaro has gotten off to a nice start offensively since joining the Phillies earlier in August, batting 10-for-29 with a home run and three RBI in seven games.
Aug 20 2017Alfaro started at first base Saturday and went 1-for-5 with three strikeouts in a 12-9 win over the Giants.Manager Pete Mackanin told Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia that he wanted to keep Alfaro's bat in the lineup since he has "been swinging it well." Alfaro did not make a start at first base in the minors this season, but he does take ground balls at the position in practice. It's possible that first base could be a source of playing time for him in a backup role next season if the Phillies are able to trade Tommy Joseph in the offseason.
Aug 15 2017Alfaro went 1-for-3 with his first career home run in Tuesday's loss to the Padres.Making his third start in five games, Alfaro touched up Dinelson Lamet for a two-run homer on a night when Lamet allowed just three hits over seven. Alfaro's power is very real, but he struck out in nearly a third of his plate appearances with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this year, and those contact issues make him a major batting-average risk.
Aug 10 2017Alfaro will draw the start for Friday's game against the Mets, and is set to receive a bump in playing time moving forward, The News Journal's Meghan Montemurro reports.With Andrew Knapp (hand) out for a few more weeks, manager Pete Mackanin stated that he will try to give Alfaro as much time in the lineup as possible, starting with Friday's contest. The 24-year-old has been with the team since August 4, but only made one start, going 2-for-4 against the Rockies the day after his promotion. Although Cameron Rupp still appears to be ahead of Alfaro on the depth chart, expect to see the prospect's name on the lineup card a little more often in the coming weeks.
Aug 9 2017Alfaro's stay with the Phillies has been extended with the news that Andrew Knapp (hand) will be sidelined for a couple of weeks, Stan Awtrey of CSN Philadelphia reports.It was expected that Alfaro would head back to the minors with Knapp trending toward a return to action this week, but an MRI Tuesday revealed a fracture in his hand. Manager Pete Mackanin said he will pick his spots to get Alfaro some playing time while he remains with the Phillies. Expect Cameron Rupp to see the majority of the action behind the dish with Knapp sidelined.
Aug 6 2017Alfaro could return to the minors as soon as Monday or Tuesday, Matt Gelb of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.Andrew Knapp's bruised hand is showing signs of improvement, and he could be ready to catch as soon as Tuesday. Alfaro, who went 2-for-4 on Saturday, will return to his starting duties at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Aug 4 2017Alfaro was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.Although Alfaro is hitting below the Mendoza Line since June 1 with the IronPigs, he'll head up to the majors to provide catching depth while Andrew Knapp (hand) is sidelined. However, Cameron Rupp seems to be ahead of Alfaro in the pecking order, so the catching prospect seems to be in line for a part-time role during this cup of coffee.
Jun 16 2017Alfaro went 1-for-3 with his fifth home run of the season Thursday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.Alfaro also picked up his fifth walk of the season in the game. He is slashing .267/.300/.403 in 206 at-bats this season. Plate discipline remains an issue with just a handful of walks in 217 plate appearances and a 30.4 percent strikeout rate. Alfaro is expected to spend the full year at Triple-A, but will likely come up in September when rosters expand. He is out of options next season, so he is a near lock to be on the Phillies' roster in 2018. How much he plays will be dependent on how his bat comes along this year and next.