Date | News | Comment |
May 18 2025 | Alvarado has been suspended 80 games by the Office of the Commissioner due to a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has been a central part of Philadelphia's bullpen this season, posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 25:4 K:BB over 20 innings while successfully converting all seven of his save chances. His suspension will now take him out of action until mid-August, and Alvarado won't be eligible to pitch in the postseason. Jordan Romano had already started getting more frequent save chances of late, and he'll likely receive even more ninth-inning opportunities with Alvarado out. |
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May 17 2025 | Alvarado retired the final two batters of the ninth inning to collect a save in Friday's win over the Pirates. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Phillies began the ninth inning with Daniel Robert on the mound in a non-save situation, but after the 30-year-old reliever walked in a run, Alvarado entered the game with an 8-4 lead and the bases loaded with one out. He needed just six pitches to put an end to Pittsburgh's late rally and pick up his seventh save of the young season. He now owns a 2.70 ERA and 1.20 WHIP through 20 frames. |
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May 3 2025 | Alvarado struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to pick up a save in Friday's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Pitching on two days of rest, Alvarado needed just 11 pitches to finish off the Diamondbacks on Thursday. He struck out Geraldo Perdomo to record the final out of the night and pick up his sixth save of the season, lowering his ERA to a minuscule 1.72 through 15.2 innings. |
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Apr 19 2025 | Alvarado recorded the final out of Saturday's 11-10 win over the Marlins to pick up his fifth save of the season. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Phillies took an 11-4 lead into the ninth inning, but Jordan Romano served up two homers en route to giving up six runs in two-thirds of an inning, forcing Alvarado into the game to clean up the mess. The southpaw needed just two pitches to get Xavier Edwards to line out to right field. Alvarado has been dominant to begin the season, going 5-for-5 in converting save chances while posting a 2.79 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 14:2 K:BB through 9.2 innings. While the Phillies have plenty of high-leverage options in the bullpen, Alvarado appears to have a lock on the closer job for the moment. |
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Apr 17 2025 | Alvarado earned the save in Thursday's 6-4 win over San Francisco, allowing one run on two hits in the ninth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado would give up a one-out homer to Tyler Fitzgerald, allowing the Giants to cut the deficit to two, though he'd rebound to close out the victory, improving to 4-for-4 in save chances this year. The left-handed Alvarado now sports a 2.89 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP and 14:2 K:BB through 9.1 innings this season. |
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Apr 12 2025 | Alvarado struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his third save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty continued his dominant start to the season. Alvarado has only been scored upon in one of his seven appearances so far, racking up two wins and a hold in addition to his saves along with a 1.23 ERA and 13:2 K:BB through 7.1 innings. While the Phillies' bullpen has a long history of volatility, Alvarado is the team's clear top high-leverage option right now. |
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Apr 6 2025 | Alvarado tossed a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Sunday's 8-7 win over the Dodgers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado faced the top of the Dodgers' order in the ninth and needed just 10 pitches to lock down his second save of the season. The southpaw has been sharp, posting a 1.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB over five innings. With Jordan Romano pitching in the seventh, Alvarado appears to be the preferred option for save opportunities at the moment. |
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Apr 3 2025 | Alvarado earned the save in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Rockies, allowing a run on three hits and a walk while striking out three in the ninth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado didn't make things easy in the ninth, allowing the first three batters to reach safely to start the frame. However, the left-hander would hold the Rockies to a lone run, logging consecutive strikeouts to strand the bases loaded. It's the first save of the year for Alvarado. He's expected to share closing duties with Jordan Romano, who was used in the eighth inning Thursday versus the top of Colorado's order. Alvarado logged 13 saves in 2024, pitching to a 4.09 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP and 63 strikeouts across 61.2 innings. |
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Mar 6 2025 | Alvarado fired a scoreless inning in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against Tampa Bay, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has looked sharp in the Grapefruit League thus far, tossing three scoreless innings with seven punchouts. The hard-throwing left-hander is one of several Phillies arms competing for saves chances in 2025, and his results are worth noting due to Matt Strahm having yielded six runs in 1.2 innings this spring. Jordan Romano still appears to be first in line when it comes to ninth-inning work, but Alvarado is at least working to entrench himself as a high-leverage option and perhaps even leapfrog Strahm as Philadelphia's top lefty reliever if these trends continue. |
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Aug 31 2024 | The Phillies activated Alvarado (personal) from the restricted list following Saturday's 3-0 win over Atlanta. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has been away from the club since Monday due to a personal matter. The left-handed reliever will be available out of the Phillies' bullpen for the series finale Sunday. Across 56 outings this season, Alvarado has recorded 13 saves and eight holds with a 4.30 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 52:25 K:BB over 52.1 innings. |
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Aug 30 2024 | Alvarez (personal) will rejoin the Phillies on Friday and is expected to be activated from the restricted list Sunday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado is slated to do some throwing Saturday and then will be available out of the bullpen again beginning Sunday. The left-handed reliever has been away from the club this week while dealing with a personal matter, and those off-field concerns could help explain his 4.66 ERA, 1.86 WHIP and 7:8 K:BB through 9.2 innings in August. |
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Aug 26 2024 | The Phillies placed Alvarez on the restricted list Monday as he deals with a personal matter, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's not clear at this point how long Alvarado will be away from the club. The lefty reliever has had an up-and-down season and has mostly struggled since the All-Star break, posting a 5.40 ERA and 12:9 K:BB over 13.1 innings. Michael Mercado is taking Alvarado's spot on the roster and in the bullpen. |
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Jul 19 2024 | Alvarado (1-4) took the loss after blowing a save Friday against Pittsburgh, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk in just one-third of an inning. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Called upon to protect a 7-5 lead in the ninth, Alvarado allowed the first two batters to reach safely before ultimately allowing a walk-off single to Nick Gonzales. It's the third blown save this year for Alvarado, who's now given up seven runs in his last five appearances (4.1 innings). The left-hander's ERA is up to 4.35 on the season with a 1.25 WHIP and 41:17 K:BB across 39.1 innings. |
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Jul 3 2024 | Alvarado allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was Alvarado's first save since June 11, as Jeff Hoffman and Seranthony Dominguez had poached the last three saves. Alvarado remains the Phillies' top closer with 13 saves on the year, with Hoffman (seven), Gregory Soto (two) and Dominguez (one) rounding out the high-leverage group. Over 35 innings this season, Alvarado has maintained a strong 3.09 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 38:12 K:BB. |
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Jun 12 2024 | Alvarado gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his 12th save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Red Sox. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw needed 20 pitches (13 strikes) to put away the BoSox, as he bounced back from his second blown save of the season Sunday. Since getting tagged for five earned runs Opening Day, Alvarado has emerged as the Phillies' primary closer -- he's posted a 1.91 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 31:10 K:BB through 28.1 innings, and his 12 saves are already a new career high. |
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Jun 9 2024 | Alvarado (1-3) suffered the loss Sunday, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning against the Mets. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado entered the game with a one-run lead looking to preserve his 12th save, but things went downhill quickly. After allowing a walk and a single to start the inning, an infield single by Mark Vientos tied the game. Then with the bases loaded and one out, a hit-by-pitch followed by a passed ball allowed two more runners to score, saddling Alvarado with his second blown save and third loss of the season. Sunday's outing came on the heels of five consecutive scoreless appearances since his last blown save, which came May 24 in Colorado. The outing lifted Alvarado's ERA to 3.54 with a 1.14 WHIP and 31 strikeouts through 28 innings this season. |
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Jun 5 2024 | Alvarado gave up a hit and struck out three in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his 11th save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Brewers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The southpaw picked up his first save since May 21 with a dominant effort, as he fired 15 of 21 pitches for strikes. Alvarado is putting together a strong season, posting a 2.96 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 29:10 K:BB through 27.1 innings and blowing only one save chance so far, but the Phillies' tendency to play matchups in high-leverage spots keeps him from being an elite fantasy closer, as Jeff Hoffman (five saves) and Gregory Soto (two saves) are also in the ninth-inning mix. |
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Jun 3 2024 | Alvarado picked up the save in Monday's 3-1 win over Milwaukee, striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning. He did not allow a baserunner. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado picked up his 10th save of the season, his first since May 21. The southpaw blew his first save of the season May 24 in Coors Field, but he has otherwise pitched well since his last save, recording a 1.50 ERA with six strikeouts and two holds over six innings of work. |
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May 24 2024 | Alvarado blew the save Friday against the Rockies. He allowed one run on two hits and no walks over one inning while striking out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado looked to be cruising to another save after striking out Jordan Beck and Hunter Goodman to start the bottom of the ninth inning. However, pinch hitter Jacob Stallings and his career .340 slugging percentage had different plans, crushing a 427-foot solo home run to hand Alvarado his first blown save in 2024. The flame-throwing lefty sports a 3.63 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB in 22.1 innings this season. |
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May 21 2024 | Alvarado earned the save in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Rangers, allowing one hit while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Rangers got the tying run to the plate with one out in the ninth after an error and a Leody Taveras base hit. However, Alvarado would proceed to strike out Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, picking up his ninth save in a 5-2 win. While the Phillies have utilized a modified committee approach to the ninth inning, the left-handed Alvarado has established himself as their preferred closing option. His ERA sits at 3.54 with a 1.03 WHIP and 20:7 K:BB across 20.1 innings. |
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May 16 2024 | Alvarado (1-2) took the loss during Thursday's 11-inning 6-5 loss to the Mets, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and no walks across one inning. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado didn't take the mound until the 11th frame, when the score was knotted up at four, and ended up with the loss. He allowed a single to JD Martinez to open up the inning -- scoring designated runner Francisco Lindor -- before Harrison Bader doubled to put two runners aboard. Alvarado managed to retire the next three batters he faced; however, Martinez crossed home plate on a wild pitch to put the Mets up two. Through 18.2 innings, Alvarado owns a 3.86 ERA and is 8-for-8 in save chances. |
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May 13 2024 | Alvarado picked up the save Monday against the Mets. He pitched a clean inning with no strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado collected his first save since May 5 on Monday night, requiring just nine pitches to retire the Mets in the tenth inning. Outside of yielding five runs on Opening Day, the 28-year-old lefty has been a stalwart, firing a 1.06 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 15:5 K:BB over 17 innings since then. Alvarado will continue to split saves with the rest of the talented Phillies bullpen but should collect the bulk of opportunities. |
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May 6 2024 | Alvarado got the save in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Giants, allowing a solo home run while also striking out a batter in the ninth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado served up a one-out solo blast to Jakson Reetz that pulled the Giants to within a run but was able to recoup with a strikeout and line out to end the game. The hard-throwing lefty has picked up seven of the team's 12 saves so far this season, registering a 4.30 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB in 14.2 innings. |
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May 3 2024 | Alvarado earned the save in Friday's 4-3 win over the Giants, allowing one hit while logging a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado allowed a leadoff single before setting down the next three Giants, closing out the one-run victory for his sixth save of the season. After giving up five runs in his first outing of the year, Alvarado's allowed just one run in his subsequent 13 innings. The left-hander lowered his ERA to 3.95 with a 1.24 WHIP and 14:7 K:BB on the campaign. |
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Apr 29 2024 | Alvarado pitched a perfect ninth to pick up the save in an 8-6 win over the Padres on Sunday. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado punched out Eguy Rosario and Luis Campusano before sealing the deal on a line out from Jurickson Profar for his first save since April 20. Alvarado has converted all five of his save chances, though he has an inflated ERA after giving up five runs in just two-thirds of an inning in his first appearance of the season. The hard-throwing lefty owns a 5.06 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 12:7 K:BB in 10.2 innings. |
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Apr 20 2024 | Alvarado retired the only batter he faced to record his fourth save of the season in Saturday's win over the White Sox. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With a 9-0 lead entering the top of the ninth inning, the Phillies were looking like they'd be able to give Alvarado the night off. However, manager Rob Thomson was forced to turn to the hard-throwing lefty after Ricardo Pinto allowed five runs and loaded the bases with two out to put the tying run at the plate. Alvarado promptly disposed of Andrew Benintendi on one pitch in inducing a game-ending groundout. The southpaw has notched each of the Phillies' last two saves and leads the club with four on the season. While Alvarado is Thompson's top option for saves, Jeff Hoffman could still see some chances on days the skipper elects to use the lefty earlier in games. |
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Apr 17 2024 | Alvarado picked up the save Wednesday, allowing one hit and no walks with one strikeout over a scoreless inning against Colorado. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After keeping the Rockies off the scoreboard in the ninth inning Wednesday, Alvarado hasn't allowed a run in eight straight appearances (7.2 innings) since his nightmare five-run 2024 debut. While it'll still take some time to get Alvarado's ERA down to a digestible number, fantasy managers can take solace in knowing that Alvarado's looking like his 2023 self, when he earned a 1.74 ERA across 41.1 innings. |
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Apr 7 2024 | Alvarez picked up a save against the Nationals on Saturday, striking out one over one scoreless inning while issuing one walk. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado entered the game with a three-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and retired three of the four batters he faced to record his second save of the season. The left-hander has now made four scoreless appearances since his five-run meltdown to open the season, recording two saves over that stretch. On the downside, it took the left-hander 28 pitches to get the job done Saturday, and he's now issued at least one walk in four of five appearances this season. |
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Mar 31 2024 | Alvarado picked up the save Sunday against Atlanta. He pitched a clean inning with one strikeout. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado took the mound in the ninth for the Phillies against Atlanta for the first save opportunity of Philadelphia's season. He quickly retired all three batters faced. The save is reassuring after he yielded five runs in two-thirds of an inning Opening Day. Alvarado appears to be the leading saves candidate in a Phillies bullpen loaded with options between him, Jeff Hoffman, Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto. |
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Mar 29 2024 | Alvarado (0-1) took the loss Friday as the Phillies were downed 9-3 by Atlanta, coughing up five runs on three hits and two walks over 0.2 innings. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Entering a 2-2 tie in the top of the eighth inning, Alvarado struggled with his control and tossed only 15 of 30 pitches for strikes. The left-hander left the mound with the bases loaded having allowed two runs, and Connor Brogdon let all three inherited runners cross the plate. Alvarado is still the top option for saves in what is likely to be a fluid Phillies bullpen, but a bad start to the season could let Jeff Hoffman pass him in the ninth-inning pecking order, and Orion Kerkering (forearm) could also be a factor once he's healthy. |
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Mar 20 2024 | Alvarado has allowed one run in 5.2 innings this spring, striking out six and walking two while allowing two hits. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado is heading into the regular season in good form and will be looking to build on the 1.74 ERA and 1.16 WHIP he produced in 41.1 innings last season. Those numbers helped him record a career-high 10 saves, and he could blow past that total this season with Craig Kimbrel now in Baltimore, though there's no guarantee manager Rob Thomson ever names a proper closer. |
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Sep 24 2023 | Alvarado struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 10th save of the season in a 7-5 win over the Mets. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lefty fired 11 of his 14 pitches for strikes and topped out at 98.3 mph in another impressive performance. Alvarado appears to have supplanted Craig Kimbrel in the pecking order for saves in the Phillies' bullpen -- he has three saves since Kimbrel recorded his last one Sept. 11, with the right-hander blowing his most recent opportunity Friday. Since returning from elbow inflammation in late August, Alvarado has a 2.70 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB through 13.1 innings with four saves and five holds over 14 appearances. |
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Sep 21 2023 | Alvarado picked up the save Thursday against the Mets. He allowed a hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado worked around Brandon Nimmo's one-out double, logging a pair of strikeouts while improving to 9-for-11 in save chances. The 28-year-old Alvarado continues to split closing duties with Craig Kimbrel in Philadelphia. The left-hander's ERA is down to 1.88 with a 1.25 WHIP with 59 strikeouts across 38.1 innings this season. |
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Sep 15 2023 | Alvarado yielded a run on two hits and two walks in one inning Friday. He struck out one and earned a save against the Cardinals. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado coughed up an RBI single to Tommy Edman with two outs in the ninth inning but struck out Lars Nootbaar with the bases jammed to close out the 5-4 victory. Alvarado has allowed two earned runs on five hits and five walks over his last five frames, pushing his season ERA to 1.98 through 36.1 innings. He picked up his first save since Sep. 4 and has now converted eight of his 10 chances. |
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Sep 5 2023 | Alvarado earned a save against the Padres on Monday, issuing two walks and striking out two batters over a hitless and scoreless inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Phillies built a big early lead before the Padres stormed back in the sixth and seventh frames. In the eighth, usual closer Craig Kimbrel was brought in to face the top of San Diego's order and settled matters down with a scoreless frame. Alvarado followed in the ninth and quickly put himself in trouble with two straight walks before righting the ship and retiring the next three batters he faced, two by strikeout. The save was Alvarado's seventh of the season, but his first since he returned from a lengthy stay on the injured list Aug. 22. Kimbrel has emerged as a steady ninth-inning option for Philadelphia and should maintain that role most days moving forward, though as Monday highlighted, Alvarado could still sneak in the occasional save chance. |
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Aug 21 2023 | The Phillies reinstated Alvarado (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado should slide into a late-inning role for the Phillies while he rejoins the club for the first time since the All-Star break, though he likely won't factor into the equation for saves with Craig Kimbrel having seemingly solidified himself as the team's clear top closing option at this stage. Prior to being activated, the southpaw looked sharp over his two rehab appearances at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, tossing a pair of scoreless innings while striking out three and allowing two baserunners. |
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Aug 13 2023 | Alvarado (elbow/hand) is expected to pitch Tuesday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He faced live hitters Friday and is ready to get back into game action. Alvarado recently dealt with cramping in both hands in addition to the elbow inflammation that initially landed him on the shelf. Craig Kimbrel has three saves and two blown saves in his last 10 appearances, but he has generally been pretty excellent this season, so Alvarado may not get many save opportunities once he is activated. |
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Aug 10 2023 | Alvarado's (elbow/hand) live batting practice got rained out Thursday, so he will face hitters Friday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has been dealing the cramping in both of his hands but had already delayed his rehab start earlier in the week. That was for precautionary concerns while Thursday's delay comes due to weather. According to manager Rob Thomson, Alvarado could begin his rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. |
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Aug 8 2023 | Alvarado (elbow/hand) will throw another bullpen session Thursday rather than begin a minor-league rehab assignment, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has been dealing with cramping in both of his hands, so the Phillies will delay his rehab stint a couple of days to make sure that it doesn't become a lingering issue. He is recovered from the bout of elbow inflammation that initially sent him to the injured list in early July, and this shouldn't be too much of a setback. |
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Aug 7 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) is expected to begin a rehab assignment Thursday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has made good progress since landing on the injured list in early July with an elbow issue, and he is nearly ready for the final step in his recovery. |
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Aug 1 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) threw a successful 25-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado said after the workout that he will throw one more bullpen session before taking the next step in his recovery. The lefty reliever has been sidelined since early July because of elbow inflammation but should be able to return to the Phillies' bullpen sometime in August. |
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Jul 30 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) tossed a bullpen session Saturday and is scheduled to throw off the mound again Tuesday in Miami, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado is continuing his throwing progression as he works his way back from left elbow inflammation, an injury that has kept him on the shelf since July 9. If he responds well to his upcoming bullpen session, Alvarado could be cleared to face hitters in live batting practice by the end of the week. He may be tracking toward a return from the 15-day injured list during the second week of August. |
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Jul 20 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) played catch from 60 feet Wednesday, MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado went on the injured list on July 9 with left elbow inflammation but has felt better since being given a cortisone shot. The reliever missed a month earlier this season with the same injury, but it's unclear at this point whether a similar timetable is expected. |
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Jul 9 2023 | The Phillies placed Alvarado on the 15-day injured list Sunday with left elbow inflammation. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The transaction is retroactive to Friday, meaning that in addition to Sunday's series finale in Miami, Alvarado will miss at least the Phillies' first two series coming out of the All-Star break. Alvarado boasts a tidy 1.38 ERA and has struck out 39 and gathered six saves over 26 innings, but his fantasy value had been trending down since he returned in early June from a stint on the IL, also the result of an inflamed elbow. In the month since Alvarado returned to the Phillies' 26-man active roster, Craig Kimbrel has re-established himself as the unquestioned top option for saves out of the bullpen. |
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Jun 15 2023 | Alvarado picked up the save in Wednesday's 4-3 extra-inning win over Arizona, allowing one walk and no hits while striking out one over a scoreless inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado made his third appearance since being reinstated from the injured list last Friday, but Wednesday's outing was his first save chance since May 3. Craig Kimbrel worked the ninth, but the two figure to split save opportunities moving forward now that they're both healthy. Kimbrel is a perfect 9-for-9 as a closer and has an elite 41:13 K:BB across 28 appearances (26 innings) but sports a questionable 4.85 ERA, while Alvarado is 6-for-8 as a closer but boasts better overall numbers (1.04 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 29:4 K:BB across 17.1 innings). |
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Jun 9 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list and called up from Double-A Reading on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado will return to the big-league roster after missing just under one month while nursing a left elbow injury. The 28-year-old appeared in two games with Reading, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out a batter over two innings. The left-hander has produced a sparkling 0.63 ERA and 0.63 WHIP with 24 punchouts over 14.1 frames in 14 appearances with the Phillies in 2023, and he should step right back into a high-leverage role. In a corresponding move, right-hander Connor Brogdon was optioned to Triple-A. |
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Jun 8 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) will be activated from the injured list Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado is again ready to be a high-leverage contributor out of the Phillies' bullpen following a four-week recovery from left elbow inflammation. He had become manager Rob Thomson's primary closer prior to the IL stint and should quickly work his way back toward the top of the saves mix. When healthy this year, Alvarado has delivered a terrific 0.63 ERA with 24 strikeouts and no walks in 14.1 innings. |
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Jun 5 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) will make what is expected to be his final rehab appearance Tuesday with Double-A Reading, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As long as Alvarado comes out of that outing with no issues, he will be activated ahead of the Phillies' weekend series against the Dodgers. The left-handed reliever to this point has made one scoreless rehab appearance as he works his way back from elbow inflammation. Alvarado had emerged as manager Rob Thomson's go-to closer before getting hurt and should be thrown right back into that mix once activated, although Craig Kimbrel has pitched well in the role since Alvarado went down. |
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Jun 4 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) is expected to continue his minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday with Double-A Reading before potentially being activated from the 15-day injured list, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran left-hander made his first rehab outing Saturday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and fired a scoreless inning. Alvarado will require at least one more appearance in the minors, and if all goes well Tuesday he could be back with the Phillies by the end of the week. |
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Jun 1 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado is expected to make two appearances on the farm before returning to the Phillies' bullpen around the middle of next week. The 28-year-old left-hander had converted five saves prior to going on the injured list May 10 due to elbow inflammation and should eventually cycle back into a share of the closer role. He boasts a 0.63 ERA with 24 strikeouts and no walks in 14.1 innings for the year. |
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May 31 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) threw 13 pitches of live batting practice Wednesday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As long as there are no complications in the aftermath of the workout, Alvarado could be cleared to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment before the end of the week. He had pitched to a stellar 0.63 ERA and 24:0 K:BB across 14.1 innings this year for the Phillies prior to going on the injured list May 10 with left elbow inflammation. He should be in the mix for saves again once he returns to full health. |
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May 30 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Wednesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado could be cleared to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment if Wednesday's workout goes smoothly. The hard-throwing left-hander was sporting a 0.63 ERA with 24 strikeouts and zero walks through 14.1 innings this year for the Phillies when he landed on the injured list May 10 due to elbow inflammation. He had also earned five saves and could eventually challenge Craig Kimbrel for a chunk of the team's ninth-inning opportunities. |
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May 27 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) played catch on flat ground but did not throw a bullpen session Saturday as scheduled, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Rob Thomson said Alvarado was hitting 98 mph in a bullpen session earlier this week and probably pushed himself too hard. However, despite the delay to Alvarado's return to mound work, the skipper insists this isn't a setback. With that, it sounds like the lefty still has a chance to advance to live batting practice next week. |
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May 22 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday if Monday's flat-ground session goes well, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll need an addition bullpen session after that before progressing to facing hitters and eventually going out on a rehab assignment. It's not clear at this point how many rehab appearances Alvarado might require. He's trending in the right direction, but the fireballing reliever still has a ways to go. |
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May 19 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) played catch on flat ground Friday, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado is just throwing from a distance of 75 feet for now and will continue that for a couple of days before then ramping up toward a return to mound work. The lefty reliever has been sidelined since May 10 due to elbow inflammation. He is tracking toward being ready for activation around the end of the month. |
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May 15 2023 | Alvarado (elbow) is expected to begin a throwing program in the early part of the week, MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado isn't traveling with the Phillies while the team wraps up its six-game road trip with a three-game set in San Francisco to begin the week, but he looks to have received the green light to resume playing catch back in Philadelphia. The left-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list last Wednesday due to elbow inflammation and is first eligible to return May 23. Assuming the Phillies' closer endures no setbacks as he initiates his throwing program, he could be on track for activation in close to the minimum 15 days. |
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May 10 2023 | The MRI on Alvarado's left elbow has come back negative, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado is dealing with inflammation, which forced him to the injured list earlier Wednesday, but fortunately he does not have any structural damage. He will be shut down for a few days before being re-evaluated. Gelb writes that the Phillies plan to "take it slow" with the reliever, so it seems likely to be longer than a minimum stay on the IL. Craig Kimbrel is the favorite to close for Philadelphia while Alvarado is shelved. |
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May 9 2023 | Alvarado was unavailable to pitch Tuesday against Toronto because of tightness in his left wrist, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado mentioned that he's "unconcerned" about the injury, and he hopes to pitch during Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays if needed. The left-hander should be considered day-to-day, and even if he doesn't pitch Wednesday this doesn't appear to be a long-term issue. |
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Apr 29 2023 | Alvarado picked up the save in Friday's 3-1 win over the Astros. He struck out two over a perfect inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has been one of the best closers in the league to start off the year. The southpaw has allowed just one earned run over 12.1 innings pitched, and his five saves are tied for fifth in MLB. Additionally, the former Ray currently sports a stellar 0.49 WHIP. |
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Apr 28 2023 | Alvarado picked up the save in Friday's 3-1 victory over the Astros. He didn't allow a baserunner while striking out two over one inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has been lights out this season. He struck out two more hitters in the ninth to bring his season total to 24 in just 12.1 innings. The flame throwing lefty leads the Phillies with five saves, all of which have come since April 19. |
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Feb 17 2023 | Alvarado signed a three-year, $21.5 million contract extension with a $9 million club option for 2026 with the Phillies on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado and the Phillies avoided arbitration with a one-year, $3.45 million deal last week, but this new contract wipes that out and tacks on two, and possibly three, more years. The buyout for the option is $500,000, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post, so Alvarado is guaranteed at least $22 million. The big left-hander had been slated to hit free agency next offseason. Alvarado put up a 3.18 ERA and 81:24 K:BB over 51 innings for Philly in 2022, earning two saves along the way. He'll be in the late-inning mix for them again in 2023. |
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Feb 10 2023 | Alvarado agreed to a one-year, $3.45 million contract with the Phillies on Friday to avoid arbitration. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The two sides met at the midpoint of the figures they exchanged last month, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports. Alvarado was actually optioned to the minors after a rough start for the Phils last season but was dominant after returning with a 1.66 ERA and 64:14 K:BB over 38 innings covering his last 42 appearances. |
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Oct 18 2022 | Alvarado earned the save against the Padres on Tuesday, allowing zero hits and one walk in a scoreless inning during the 2-0 victory. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After getting the first out of the ninth, Alvarado found himself in trouble following a walk and an error, but he managed to shut down Manny Machado and Josh Bell to win Game 1 for the Phillies. The 27-year-old amassed only two saves in the regular season while being used mainly as a middle-relief pitcher, but he was called on in the ninth Tuesday night and got the job done. The closer role has been a revolving door for the Phillies in recent games, so look to see if Alvarado continues as a closer in the NLCS or if he reverts back to a middle-relief role. |
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Sep 22 2022 | Alvarado earned a save against Atlanta on Thursday, allowing one hit and striking out two batters over 1.1 scoreless innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado entered in the eighth inning with two outs and the tying run on first base. He retired Matt Olson to end the frame, then stayed in for the ninth despite the fact that No. 1 closer David Robertson was warming in the bullpen. Alvarado took advantage of the opportunity by working around a two-out single to notch his second save of the campaign. Robertson and Seranthony Dominguez have struggled in September, so it's possible that Alvarado could get some more save chances moving forward. |
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Jul 24 2022 | Alvarado (3-2) took the loss in Saturday's game against the Cubs, allowing five runs (three earned) on two hits while striking out one and walking none over one-third of an inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado was called in to pitch in the 10th inning of a tied game, and he took the loss after allowing four runs to cross the plate on a fielder's choice, a single and a fielding error. His ERA ballooned from 4.39 to 5.33 in the contest, though he has a 3.86 ERA in July. |
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Jul 17 2022 | Alvarado recorded two outs, including one strikeout, and earned a save against Miami on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado entered the game with two on and one out in the ninth inning and needed just eight pitches to extinguish the threat from the Marlins. It was his first save opportunity since blowing a chance against the Nationals on June 17. The 27-year-old is now sporting a 41:18 K:BB with a 4.39 ERA through 26.2 frames. |
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Jun 17 2022 | Alvarado (1-1) blew the save but got the win in the second half of Friday's doubleheader against the Nationals, allowing an unearned run in 1.1 innings of work while striking out one and giving up two walks and a hit. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Phillies used both Seranthony Dominguez and Brad Hand in Game 1 of the doubleheader, so they were down to the less preferred members of their new closer committee in Game 2. After Andrew Bellatti retired two of the first three batters in the ninth inning, Alvarado was tasked with retiring Juan Soto to finish the game. He wound up walking him, as he's done against 17.1 percent of the batters he's faced this season, but he appeared to have gotten the job done by getting Nelson Cruz to ground out before Didi Gregorius threw the ball away. Alvarado got out of the inning without further damage and allowed only the ghost runner to score in the bottom of the 10th, which was good enough for a win after the Phillies had scored twice in the top of the frame. |
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Jun 12 2022 | Alvarado was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado was demoted in late May after posting a 7.62 ERA and 15.4 percent walk rate to start the season, but four scoreless minor-league appearances in which he walked just a single batter was apparently all the Phillies needed to see to bring him back. Cristopher Sanchez was optioned in a corresponding move. |
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May 27 2022 | Alvarado was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado's control issues finally reached a tipping point for the Phillies, so he'll exit the active roster to clear space for Friday's starter Bailey Falter. Alvarado's 15.4 percent walk rate is actually a notable improvement on his 18.7 percent mark from last year, but it's still nowhere near good enough and contributed heavily to his 7.62 ERA. His stuff is good enough that he could add to his 20 career saves at some point down the line if he could just figure out his command, but it doesn't look like such an improvement is coming any time soon. |
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Apr 5 2022 | Alvarado (neck) will be on the Phillies' Opening Day roster, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has been limited to a single Grapefruit League appearance due to a neck issue. Previous reports indicated the left was likely to open the season on the injured list, but he's evidently convinced the Phillies that he's ready to go. The team will use a 10-man bullpen to start the year, so they can avoid using him in the first few games if he still needs time to finish building up. |
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Apr 3 2022 | Alvarado (neck) is scheduled to make a relief appearance in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Alvarado has been cleared for game action and likely won't require much buildup time as a reliever who typically doesn't work more than one inning, he's not a lock to make the Phillies' Opening Day roster since the neck issue has kept him out for the majority of the spring. As Gelb notes, the Phillies' plans for Alvarado will likely become apparent based on where his next outing comes Tuesday or Wednesday. If Alvarado pitches in one of the team's final two exhibition games, it would likely signal that he's on track for the Opening Day roster, whereas a simulated game Tuesday or Wednesday would hint that the Phillies are planning to stash him on the injured list to begin the season. |
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Mar 29 2022 | Alvarado (neck) has been playing catch, but the Phillies are skeptical that he'll be able to avoid the injured list to start the season, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado's neck issue may not be a long-term problem, but the fact that he's still merely playing catch with Opening Day just 10 days away suggests a trip to the injured list is likely. Once healthy, he'll compete with Brad Hand to be the top lefty in the Philadelphia bullpen, a role that could come with at least the occasional save. |
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Mar 26 2022 | Alvarado has not made an appearance this spring due to "a little neck issue", manager Joe Girardi revealed on Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado was shut down from throwing for three days beginning on Thursday as he looks to recover from the issue. The reliever hopes to be ready for the start of the season, but may be delayed if the issue lingers. |
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Aug 31 2021 | Alvarado gave up a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning Monday to record his fifth save of the season in a 7-4 win over the Nationals. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ian Kennedy had the night off after picking up his fifth save as a Phillie on Sunday, so Alvarado got the call to close out this one. The southpaw hasn't been scored upon in six straight appearances dating back to Aug. 3, and his recent stint on the IL due to shoulder inflammation didn't derail his momentum, but his lack of control (career-worst 19.7 percent walk rate on the season) makes him volatile at the best of times. |
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Aug 26 2021 | The Phillies reinstated Alvarado (shoulder) from the 10-day injured list Thursday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado, who had been on the shelf since Aug. 11 with an inflamed left shoulder, was cleared to rejoin the Phillies after he checked out fine during a one-inning rehab appearance Tuesday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Given the brevity of his absence, the 26-year-old should quickly recapture a key late-inning role for Philadelphia. |
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Aug 25 2021 | Alvarado (shoulder) made his first rehab appearance for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, tossing a no-hit inning while striking out one and walking one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado was placed on the 10-day injured list Aug. 11 with left shoulder inflammation, but he appears to be on the cusp of a return. He may need only one or two more tune-up appearances at Triple-A before rejoining the Philadelphia bullpen. |
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Aug 20 2021 | Alvarado (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Friday, Daniel Guerrero of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has been dealing with a left shoulder impingement for a week and a half, but he felt good after Friday's bullpen session. The southpaw will throw another bullpen Sunday and will be re-evaluated afterward. |
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Aug 11 2021 | Alvarado was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a left shoulder impingement. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado hasn't pitched since delivering a scoreless frame Aug. 7, so it appears he's been dealing with the injury for a few days. It's unclear how long the left-hander is expected to be sidelined, but he'll be eligible to return from the injured list Aug. 18. |
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Aug 3 2021 | Alvarado earned the save against the Nationals on Tuesday after tossing a perfect inning that included a pair of strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander turned in an effective outing, sending Tres Barrera and Riley Adams down on strikes while protecting a one-run lead. The Phillies have had their share of ninth-inning woes this season, including a span with Alvarado being named closer last month. Recently-traded Ian Kennedy is expected to get the bulk of save opportunities moving forward. On the year, Alvarado has compiled a 4.58 ERA and 1.70 WHIP with four saves. |
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Jun 29 2021 | Alvarado earned a four-out save Tuesday against the Marlins. He allowed two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado came into the eighth inning with two outs and a 4-0 lead and immediately issued a free pass. He then allowed an inherited runner to score on a wild pitch. The ninth inning didn't start off much better for the left-hander, who surrendered a leadoff single to Jesus Aguilar followed by a two-run homer to Adam Duvall. Despite recently being named the new closer by Joe Girardi, Alvarado has a lot more to prove if he's going to hold onto the role. |
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Jun 25 2021 | Manager Joe Girardi said Friday that Alvarado has overtaken Hector Neris as Philadelphia's top option for saves, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has two saves this season with his last one coming May 5, but he'll receive an opportunity as the Phillies' closer after Neris was unable to convert three of his past four save chances. Alvarado has also recorded nine holds while posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 36:23 K:BB across 26.2 innings. The left-hander's 19.7 percent walk rate, which would be a career-worst mark, will be his largest hurdle in his path to securing the closer's gig long term. |
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May 5 2021 | Alvarado walked one and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning during Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Brewers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hector Neris tossed 40 pitches the night before, opening the door for Alvarado to get another save chance, and the lefty got the job done. He wasn't exactly sharp, throwing only nine of 17 pitches for strikes, but as per usual Alvarado was overpowering when he was around the zone, topping out at 99.8 mph. He sports a 4.00 ERA and 15:6 K:BB through nine innings, racking up two wins and two holds through 11 appearances in addition to his saves. |
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May 3 2021 | Alvarado's suspension was reduced to two games upon appeal and will be served starting Monday, source reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado was handed what was originally a three-game ban after his overly animated celebration of a strikeout Thursday against the Mets caused both benches to clear. The Phillies will now be without their top lefty for two games. |
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May 2 2021 | Alvarado was handed a three-game suspension Sunday but will continue to play while appealing the ban, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old received the suspension for his role in Thursday's benches-clearing incident with the Mets. He was the only player to be suspended for either team, though Dominic Smith and Miguel Castro were fined on the New York side. Alvarado will remain available until his appeal is heard. |
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Apr 26 2021 | Alvarado returned from the COVID-19 injured list Monday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado spent a week away from the team, though it's unclear if he tested positive for the virus himself. He should be a key piece for the Phillies upon his return, as he owns a 1.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB through 5.2 innings this season. |
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Apr 19 2021 | Alvarado was placed on the injured list Monday for an unspecified reason, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Phillies placed two coaches in the league's health and safety protocols, and Alvarado was one of three Phillies to land on the injured list. The fact that the team didn't provide a reason for Alvarado's placement on the IL suggests that he could be on the COVID-19 injured list. If that's the case, Alvarado will be eligible to return once he clears the league's health and safety protocols as long as he doesn't test positive for the virus. Alvarado has posted a 1.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB in 5.2 innings this year. |
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Apr 12 2021 | Alvarado (2-0) pitched a clean eighth inning while also walking a batter as he was awarded his second win of the season in a 7-6 victory over the Braves on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado led off the eighth by walking Travis d'Arnaud but was able to retire the next three hitters and get out of the inning without much sweat. He earned his second win of the year after the Phillies were able to tack on the go-ahead run in the ninth, but it was the first outing of the season that the 25-year-old flamethrower failed to record a strikeout. Alvarado has allowed one run in 4.2 innings and boasts a 9:1 K:BB as he continues to assert himself as one of the game's most dominant relievers. |
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Apr 5 2021 | Alvarado collected his first save of the season Monday, giving up a run on three hits while striking out two in the ninth inning of a 5-3 win over the Mets. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Hector Neris having pitched three times in the last four days, it was Alvarado's turn to protect a late lead. The lefty made things interesting by giving up three straight two-out singles before Pete Alonso came within about five feet of an opposite-field homer, but it still went into the books as Alvarado's first save with his new club. It's noteworthy that he got the call over Archie Bradley in a save situation, a decision which may have been prompted by lefty Brandon Nimmo leading off the ninth for the Mets, but Neris remains the primary closing option for the Phillies. |
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Apr 4 2021 | Alvarado (1-0) tossed a scoreless inning and struck out two in Sunday's win against the Braves. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado tossed an eventful inning in his previous appearance -- allowing three baserunners and fanning three of the six batters he faced -- but looked far more dominant this time around, tossing eight of his 10 pitches for strikes and making quick work of the eighth inning. He's not expected to look this dominant on a regular basis, but this was an encouraging outing for the talented -- yet inconsistent -- lefty. |
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Apr 2 2021 | Alvarado allowed three baserunners (a walk, a single and a hit by pitch) but didn't allow a run in his inning of work Thursday against Atlanta, striking out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The outing gave Phillies fans the full Jose Alvarado experience in his first game with his new club. He struck out half the batters he faced and only allowed one out of six to make contact, but he also loaded the bases. A steady diet of both walks and strikeouts should be expected from the lefty this year, as he owns a career 28.1 percent strikeout rate and a 12.3 percent walk rate. |
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Mar 31 2021 | Phillies manager Joe Girardi said Wednesday that Alvarado would open the season as one of the top setup men for closer Hector Neris, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Neris should be in line to receive the bulk of the save chances to begin the season, Alvarado -- the lone southpaw in the bullpen -- could factor into the ninth-inning mix when the Phillies face lefty-heavy lineups. Alvarado missed extended time in both of his final two seasons with the Rays due to arm injuries, but he was healthy and effective this spring, striking out 13 while holding opposing hitters to a .167 average over 8.1 innings. |
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Mar 28 2021 | Alvarado will be the only left-hander in the Phillies' Opening Day bullpen after JoJo Romero was optioned Sunday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado pitched himself into the closer mix alongside Hector Neris and Archie Bradley this spring, showing significantly improved conditioning and triple-digit heat. As the lone lefty in that trio, Alvarado would figure to earn save chances when opposing left-handers are due up in the ninth inning should the Phillies adopt a committee approach, but manager Joe Girardi has expressed a preference for a traditional closer. It may be tough for Girardi to give Alvarado the role, as that would leave him without any southpaws to deploy prior to the ninth inning. |
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Mar 20 2021 | Alvarado has pitched himself into the closer mix for the Phillies this spring, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado was understandably cheap for the Phillies to acquire this winter following a pair of seasons in which he struggled to a 5.08 ERA while battling injuries. Conditioning had become a significant problem for the lefty, but he's dropped nearly 50 pounds and now looks as electric as ever. He struck out the side Saturday against the Blue Jays, throwing nine of his 16 pitches 99 mph or faster. He has 15 saves on his resume already and seemingly has a legitimate chance to beat out Hector Neris and Archie Bradley for the role this season, though it's still too early to call him the favorite. |
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Mar 13 2021 | Alvarado has looked good to start camp, retiring all nine batters he's faced thus far while striking out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Phillies acquired Alvarado fairly cheaply from the Rays back in December, as he's posted a 5.08 ERA over the last two seasons while battling injuries. He's been in vintage form so far this spring, however, with his fastball touching triple digits and his conditioning looking much improved. His recent struggles mean he probably begins the year behind Archie Bradley and Hector Neris on the closer depth chart, but he could certainly add to his 15 career saves if he carries his spring success into the regular season. If the Phillies adopt a committee approach at any point this year, he should have a strong chance of picking up saves when opposing lefties are due up in the ninth inning, as both Bradley and Neris throw right-handed. |
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Jan 15 2021 | Alvarado avoided arbitration by signing a one-year, $1 million contract Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Phillies will be hoping Alvarado can plug a hole in their historically leaky bullpen this season. He's been a high-leverage reliever at times in the past, but he's since struggled through a pair of injury-filled campaigns, posting a 5.08 ERA and a 17.3 percent walk rate over that stretch. |
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Dec 29 2020 | Alvarado was traded from the Rays to the Phillies on Tuesday as part of a three-team deal which also includes the Dodgers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old lefty joins a team desperately in need of bullpen help, and the good version of Alvarado can certainly provide that, as his 2.39 ERA back in 2018 suggests. Over the last two injury-filled seasons, however, he's struggled to a 5.08 ERA in just 39 total frames, with a poor 17.3 percent walk rate offsetting a 27.2 percent strikeout rate. A full bounceback could see Alvarado picking up saves at some point for his new team, with only the inconsistent Hector Neris standing as a real obstacle, but there's every chance his injuries and control problems continue, making him at best a low-leverage option. |
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Oct 20 2020 | Alvarado will not be a part of the Rays' World Series roster, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado returned from a shoulder injury to play a part in the ALCS, striking out four and walking three over 1.2 scoreless innings. Ryan Sherriff will replace him as a left-handed option out of the bullpen. |
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Oct 11 2020 | The Rays activated Alvarado (shoulder) from the 45-day injured list Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tampa Bay designated Oliver Drake (elbow) for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Alvarado, while outfielder Brett Phillips was optioned to the Rays' taxi squad to clear a spot on the 28-man active roster. Alvarado hasn't appeared in game for the Rays since Aug. 14 due to the shoulder injury, so manager Kevin Cash could prefer to break the 25-year-old in in lower-leverage spots during Tampa Bay's ALCS matchup with the Astros. |
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Sep 29 2020 | Alvarado (shoulder) will not be a part of the Rays' wild-card roster. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has been out with a shoulder injury since mid-August. He's been trending in the right direction lately, throwing live batting practice multiple times, but he's evidently at least three more days away from being cleared for game action. |
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Sep 27 2020 | Alvarado (shoulder) is scheduled to throw to Ji-Man Choi (hamstring) and Yandy Diaz (hamstring) in a simulated game setting Monday, the Associated Press reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander did the same Saturday and reportedly looked very good in terms of velocity, as he continues to ramp up for a possible return early in the postseason. Alvarado's chances of suiting up at some point in the upcoming Wild Card Series against the Blue Jays will likely become clearer after Monday's activity. |
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Sep 26 2020 | Alvarado (shoulder) threw a live batting practice Saturday and remains a candidate to return at some point in the postseason, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The left-hander's availability will naturally be heavily dependent on the health of his shoulder, but it will also be contingent on his ability to locate consistently and command the zone. Alvarado hasn't seen game action since Aug. 14, so rust will certainly be a concern if he is eventually activated. "Velo was up right where we like it. I think he was at 96-97 [mph]," manager Kevin Cash said. "Landed a couple of breaking balls. He's another one to make a decision on. Just get his comfort from a health standpoint. He certainly appears like he's healthy." |
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Sep 21 2020 | Alvarado (shoulder) threw a 26-pitch bullpen session Monday and will throw a simulated game Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado remains on the 45-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation and won't be eligible to return before the start of the playoffs. It appears that he has a chance to do that, though the Rays won't be sure until they see how his shoulder holds up this week. |
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Sep 16 2020 | Alvarado (shoulder) threw again at Tropicana Field on Monday and could face live hitters sometime this week after manager Kevin Cash described the southpaw as "making really good progress", Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The big left-hander will first likely utilize at least one bullpen session as a bridge to facing some of his teammates, but the fact he's set to possibly take multiple steps forward in his recovery in coming days is certainly noteworthy. If he continues without setbacks, Alvarado could be a factor for the Rays in a potential postseason run. |
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Sep 11 2020 | Alvarado (shoulder) was playing catch at Tropicana Field on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old was shut down from throwing Aug. 19, but he's returned been cleared to resume playing catch. Alvarado was shifted to the 45-day injured list in early September and won't be able to return before the end of the regular season, but he could rejoin the team for a potential playoff run. |
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Sep 4 2020 | Alvarado (shoulder) was transferred to the 45-day injured list Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The move ends Alvarado's regular season, as his 45 days will expire just after the end of the campaign, though he could still pitch in the playoffs. The lefty joins teammates Yonny Chirinos (elbow), Chaz Roe (elbow), Jalen Beeks (elbow), Andrew Kittredge (elbow) and Chaz Roe (elbow) on the 45-day injured list, though the Rays did get Nick Anderson back from his forearm injury Friday. |
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Aug 19 2020 | Alvarado (shoulder) saw a doctor in New York on Monday and will be shut down from throwing for 10-to-14 days, the Associated Press reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The burly southpaw was placed on the injured list Saturday with shoulder inflammation, and it appears he's headed for a much longer stay on it than the minimum 10 days. Alvarado looked out of sorts while trying to apparently pitch through the injury in his appearance Saturday, when he allowed four earned runs over two-third of an inning to the Blue Jays. |
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Aug 15 2020 | Alvarado hit the 10-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation Saturday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The injury certainly could have contributed to Alvarado's awful outing Saturday against the Blue Jays, in which he allowed four runs while recording just two outs. It's unclear how much time he's expected to miss. Aaron Slegers was recalled in a corresponding move. |
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Aug 11 2020 | Alvarado (personal), who was activated from the paternity list earlier in the day, was credited with a hold in a win over the Red Sox on Monday. He allowed one hit and one walk over a scoreless two-thirds of an inning. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The hard-throwing left-hander inherited a two-on, two-out situation in the eighth inning and initially made the situation thornier by issuing a walk to Christian Vazquez and yielding a two-run single to Jonathan Arauz. However, Alvarado then avoided further damage by inducing a fielder's choice groundout from Kevin Pillar and preserving the Rays' 8-7 lead in the process. Alvarado recorded a strikeout to open the ninth as well before yielding to Andrew Kittredge for the save, and despite the somewhat rocky outing, he managed to lower his ERA to 2.84 since the pair of runs he allowed were charged to Peter Fairbanks. Alvarado has thus far made good overall on his pledge to bounce back from last season's inconsistency, but he's notably yet to log a save opportunity. |
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Aug 10 2020 | The Rays reinstated Alvarado (personal) from the paternity list Monday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tampa Bay cleared a spot for Alvarado on the 28-man active roster by placing starting pitcher Charlie Morton (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list. Since Alvarado was only away from the Rays for the weekend series with the Yankees, he shouldn't need any time to ramp back up. He made six appearances out of the bullpen before heading to the paternity list, giving up two earned runs and striking out nine in 5.2 innings. |
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Aug 7 2020 | Alvarado (paternity) could return to the Rays as soon as Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado was placed on the paternity list Friday but is evidently in line for quite a short absence. He's made six appearances for the Rays this season, striking out nine and walking three over 5.2 innings while allowing three runs (two earned). |
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Jul 27 2020 | Alvarado, who fired a scoreless ninth frame during which he recorded two strikeouts in an extra-inning win over the Blue Jays on Sunday, has opened the season with back-to-back scoreless appearances. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: There was a fair amount of scrutiny on Alvarado heading into the campaign, as the left-hander was coming off a wildly inconsistent 2019 in which he often struggled with control. Despite some unsightly numbers in spring training this year, Alvarado had steadfastly maintained he was primed for a big 2020, and early returns have certainly been encouraging. The 25-year-old has yet to see a save chance, but he's now retired six batters on a relatively efficient 35 pitches while posting a 4:1 K:BB across his first pair of outings. |
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Jul 13 2020 | Alvarado, who struggled some with control in a simulated game Friday, was more effective during a Sunday appearance, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. "Better," said Rays manager Kevin Cash. "His last outing that he had he was fine, but he just wasn't filling up the strike zone like he's capable of. We put in an emphasis to fill it up, fill up the zone with the fastball, because as soon as he does that, then those 55-foot breaking balls [come] -- which catchers can't stand but hitters swing at. So you don't tell him not to throw those." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alvarado has been talking up his readiness and enthusiasm for the coming season since back in training camp, but the on-field results haven't always been commensurate to his ebullient mindset. Sunday, the left-hander, who sets up as a key late-inning component of the bullpen, managed to wiggle his way out of some minor trouble in his one inning by recording a strikeout. Alvarado also mentioned to Cash he'd picked some things up with his mechanics during the outing that he plans to tweak, and both the Rays skipper and pitching coach Kyle Snyder remain encouraged with where the burly southpaw is "from a strike-throwing ability" at this point. |
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Jul 4 2020 | Alvarado, who struggled to a career-worst 4.80 ERA and 1.87 WHIP in 2019, feels highly confident he'll have a bounce-back year in 2020, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. "When he's right, he's as dominant as anybody in the game," said manager Kevin Cash. "The thing that really sticks out right now is the strike-throwing and that he's landing his breaking ball. His delivery is really clean." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The hard-throwing southpaw was the picture of dominance in 2018 with a 2.39 ERA and 80 strikeouts across 64 innings, but a family matter in Venezuela last season led to a month-plus absence and essentially derailed Alvarado's campaign. However, the 25-year-old worked out diligently nearly every day during the recent shutdown, and he blew Cash away with his live batting practice session Saturday. Alvarado threw 15 pitches while facing Brandon Lowe and Willy Adames, and he reportedly landed all but one pitch in the strike zone according to Cash. |
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Jun 22 2020 | Alvarado got some long toss in at Tropicana Field on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Rays had a large contingent of pitchers in for small-group informal workouts Monday, with Alvarado joining several bullpen mates in long-toss sessions. With the 2020 season finally appearing to take shape late Monday night, Alvarado can now begin ramping up in earnest during what is likely to be considered a second spring training over the next three-plus weeks or so. |
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May 22 2020 | Alvarado is one of several Rays players with plenty to prove in 2020, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The hard-throwing left-hander had a largely forgettable 2019 campaign that included a multi-week absence to tend to his ailing mother in Venezuela. The bulk of Alvarado's struggles came during the latter part of the season, as he posted a 9.95 ERA over his last 17 appearances. Alvarado did enter spring with a much clearer mind because he was able to move his parents to the United States during the offseason, and he certainly has the tools for a resurgence in the form of a 98 mph fastball, along with a cutter, sinker and curveball. However, it's worth noting the 25-year-old also endured a rocky Grapefruit League stint before play was paused, as he posted an 8.31 ERA and walked four batters over 4.1 innings across five appearances. He projects to primarily return to a setup role in an abbreviated 2020 season. |
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Mar 23 2020 | Alvarado is expected to work primarily as a setup man to begin the 2020 season with Nick Anderson "in line to get the bulk of the save opportunities" for the Rays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Kevin Cash hasn't formally named a closer nor outlined roles for the rest of the members of the bullpen, so the above quote is mostly informed speculation on Topkin's part. That said, Anderson was the Rays' most dominant reliever over the final two months last season and has enjoyed a solid spring, which likely keeps him ahead of Alvarado and Diego Castillo in the pecking order for saves. Alvarado could still see occasional use in save situations -- particularly against lefty-heavy lineups -- early on, but the Rays' main priority is likely just ensuring he stays healthy and re-emerges as a reliable late-inning arm coming off a rocky 2019 campaign. Alvarado went 4-for-4 in save chances and struck out 26 in his first 17.1 innings last season before melting down thereafter, finishing with a 4.80 ERA and 1.87 WHIP across 35 appearances while missing time due to oblique and elbow injuries in addition to a personal matter. |
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Mar 1 2020 | Alvarado fired a scoreless sixth inning during which he struck out the side and hit a batter in a Grapefruit League loss to the Braves on Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The reliever had endured a rough landing in his spring debut Wednesday against the Twins, retiring just one batter. That made Saturday's dominant outing, one of the few bright spots in a 12-0 loss for the Rays, a particularly welcome sight. Alvarado threw 18 pitches overall, with 11 finding the strike zone, and Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports the left-hander featured his cutter, sinker and curveball during his one frame. Alvarado's control was appreciably better against Atlanta as well, an important area of focus for him after he posted an 8.1 BB/9 across 35 appearances in 2019. |
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Feb 27 2020 | Alvarado made his first Grapefruit League appearance in Wednesday's loss to the Twins, allowing two earned runs on two hits and two walks over one-third of an inning. He struck out one. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Per Juan Toribio of MLB.com, Alvarado, who followed starter Blake Snell, threw 27 pitches, with only 12 of those getting into the strike zone. However, considering the outing served as Alvarado's first taste of game action since Aug. 24, the left-hander took the struggles in stride. "I got close to almost six months without seeing a hitter and not pitching in a game," Alvarado said. "I'm feeling great because I'm feeling the power in my arm. A little bit too quick and too early over my right arm, but everything is good. I'm feeling good." |
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Feb 23 2020 | Alvarado, who threw another successful bullpen session Sunday, is likely to make his spring debut Wednesday against the Twins, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old southpaw threw approximately 20 pitches during the session and looked impressive doing so. Alvarado has been sharp in his throwing thus far this spring, leaving him poised for his likely debut versus Minnesota. |
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Feb 15 2020 | Alvarado threw an impressive bullpen session Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Kevin Cash described the opportunity to see Alvarado work as the most exciting part of his day Friday, a remark that underscores the reliever's value to the team's pitching arsenal. Alvarado endured a forgettable 2019, posting a career-high 4.80 ERA and 1.87 WHIP across 30 innings over 35 appearances. He ultimately finished the season on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, but an offseason of rest appears to have addressed that issue. Assuming good health, Alvarado should see heavy late-inning volume in 2020. |
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Feb 10 2020 | Alvarado (elbow) said that his injured elbow has fully recovered and he's ready to go for the start of spring training. Moreover, his mental state is a lot better now that he's moved his parents out of Venezuela and into the United States, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Tribune reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: We often have to estimate about a player's mental state, and in the case of Alvarado, we know that he had to take time away from the team to tend to his mother last season and was never the same afterward. We'll have to take his physical health as an article of faith so far, but with the trade of Emilio Pagan, the opportunity for him to step into a more important role is present. |
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Aug 27 2019 | Alvarado's (elbow) MRI and doctor visit yielded fairly encouraging results, Marc | Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. |
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Aug 24 2019 | Alvarado was placed on the 10-day injured list with left elbow inflammation after | Saturday's loss at Baltimore, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. |
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Aug 23 2019 | Alvarado will serve as the opener for Saturday's game against the Orioles, Marc | Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. |
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Aug 19 2019 | Alvarado (1-5) was credited with the victory in a win over the Tigers on Sunday, | firing a scoreless ninth inning in which he allowed no hits, issued two walks and |
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Aug 14 2019 | Alvarado (oblique) was credited with his seventh hold in a win over the Padres on | Tuesday, allowing an unearned run on a hit and a walk over two-thirds of an inning. |
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Aug 13 2019 | Alvarado (oblique) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Josh Tolentino | of The Athletic reports. |
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Aug 12 2019 | Alvarado (oblique) could join the Rays during their current series against the Padres | that lasts through Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. |
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Aug 9 2019 | Alvarado (oblique), who allowed an earned run on two hits and recorded two strikeouts | over an inning in Triple-A Durham's win over Indianapolis on Friday, could be promoted |
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Aug 6 2019 | Alvarado fired a scoreless seventh inning in Triple-A Durham's win over Syracuse | on Tuesday, issuing no hits and two walks while recording a strikeout. |
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Aug 5 2019 | Alvarado (oblique) is slated to make rehab appearances for Triple-A Durham on Wednesday | and Thursday, the Associated Press reports. |
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Aug 4 2019 | Alvarado (oblique) fired a perfect first inning in High-A Charlotte's loss to Palm | Beach on Sunday. |
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Aug 3 2019 | Alvarado (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Charlotte on Sunday, | Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. |
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Jul 30 2019 | Alvarado (oblique) progressed to throwing from 90 feet Tuesday and is slated for | a 20-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. |
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Jul 24 2019 | Alvarado (oblique) is likely to have the first bullpen session of his rehabilitation at some point next week, the Associated Press<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 11 2019 | Alvarado (oblique) was placed on the 10-day injured list<\/a> Wednesday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 8 2019 | Alvarado (oblique) could miss 6-to-8 weeks, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 6 2019 | Alvarado (oblique) is expected to miss 2-to-6 weeks depending on the results of his MRI, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 6 2019 | Alvarado left Saturday's game against the Yankees with an apparent side injury, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 6 2019 | Alvarado left Saturday's game against the Yankees with a strained oblique, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 4 2019 | Alvarado, who's allowed seven runs (six earned) across three appearances since returning from an extended absence due to personal reasons, may be used in lower-leverage situations in the short term, Marc Topkin of the Tamp Bay Times<\/a> reports. \"In all fairness to him, us, probably try to find a softer spot for him,'' manager Kevin Cash said. \"Unfortunately we don't have many soft spots, and there's not a soft spot when you face the New York Yankees.\" | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 3 2019 | Alvarado (0-5) allowed six runs (five earned) on four hits and a walk while striking out none and recording only two outs en route to taking the loss Wednesday against the Orioles. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 3 2019 | Alvarado (0-5) allowed six runs (five earned) on four hits and a walk while striking out none across 0.2 innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Orioles. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 1 2019 | Alvarado gave up one hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning to record his seventh save in a 6-3 win over the Orioles on Monday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 30 2019 | Alvarado, who was activated off the restricted list Friday, allowed an earned run on a hit and a wild pitch over an inning in a win over the Rangers on Saturday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 28 2019 | Alvarado (personal) was activated off the restricted list Friday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 26 2019 | Alvarado (personal) threw bullpen sessions Monday and Tuesday and could be activated for the Rays' upcoming homestand, which begins Friday and runs until the All-Star break, Juan Toribio of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 26 2019 | Alvarado threw bullpen sessions Monday and Tuesday and pitching coach Kyle Snyder said he's expected back in \"the near future,\" Juan Toribio of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 20 2019 | Alvarado (personal) threw a bullpen session Thursday, and the Rays are hopeful he'll need only a few more side sessions and possibly a simulated game before returning to the team, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 17 2019 | Manger Kevin Cash said Monday that Alvarado (personal) will need a restart similar to an abbreviated spring training before returning to the 25-man roster, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 16 2019 | Alvarado (personal) is back in the United States and will report to High-A Charlotte prior to returning from the restricted list, Juan Toribio of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 16 2019 | Alvarado (personal) remains without a timeline to rejoin the Rays, Juan Toribio of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 10 2019 | Alvarado (personal) could rejoin the Rays later in the week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 9 2019 | The Rays transferred Alvarado (personal) to the restricted list ahead of Sunday's 6-1 win over the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 8 2019 | Alvarado (personal), whose seven-day stint on the family medical emergency list ended Saturday, is likely to be moved to the restricted list, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 4 2019 | Alvarado (personal) remains in Venezuela with his family and isn't expected to return to the team for Tampa Bay's weekend series against the Red Sox, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 2 2019 | The Rays placed Alvarado on the family medical list Sunday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 29 2019 | Alvarado was charged with a blown save in Wednesday's win over the Blue Jays by allowing one run on two hits and two walks without recording an out. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 29 2019 | Alvarado was charged with a blown save in Wednesday's win over the Blue Jays. He allowed one run on two hits and two walks without recording an out. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 26 2019 | Alvarado posted one strikeout during a two-out save in a 6-3 victory against the Indians on Sunday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 26 2019 | Alvarado, who was charged with a loss against the Indians on Friday after allowing two earned runs on two hits and three walks over an inning, will continue to see his usual amount of save opportunities, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times<\/a> reports. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 18 2019 | Alvarado retired the side in the bottom of the 11th inning to earn his fifth save Saturday against the Yankees. He allowed one hit and no walks and struck out one in an inning of work. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 18 2019 | Alvarado (0-3) allowed three earned runs on four hits, a walk and a wild pitch over two-thirds of an inning in a loss to the Yankees on Friday. He also recorded a strikeout. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 16 2019 | Alvarado, who notched his fifth hold in a win over the Marlins on Wednesday with 1.1 scoreless innings in which he allowed no hits or walks and recorded a strikeout, owns four saves, a 1.04 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP over 17.1 innings. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 23 2018 | Alvarado allowed no runs on one hit and two walks across 1.1 innings as he picked up the save Monday against the Yankees. | Alvarado was called upon for the four-out save, and he managed to deliver after allowing three runners to reach base. He sits with 19 holds on the season and a stellar 2.43 ERA with 43 strikeouts over 40.2 innings as he figures to continue to be utilized in mid-to-high leverage situations moving forward. |
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Jul 18 2018 | Alvarado was activated from the family medical emergency list Wednesday, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports. | Alvarado will be back in the Rays bullpen for this weekend's intrastate series against Miami after being placed on the emergency list last Wednesday. Across 41 appearances with Tampa Bay this year, Alvarado has logged a 2.58 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. |
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Jul 11 2018 | Alvarado was placed on the family medical emergency list Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Per Topkin, Alvarado won't rejoin the Rays until after the All-Star break. | The Rays recalled Andrew Kittredge from Triple-A Durham to fortify the bullpen while Alvarado is away from the team for the next five games. The temporary departure of Alvarado, who picked up the win while working two scoreless innings Tuesday against the Tigers, should clear the way for Sergio Romo to pick up any save chances that may be available through the weekend. |
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Jul 4 2018 | Alvarado allowed one walk and retired the final two batters of the game to earn his third save of the season Tuesday against the Marlins. | Alvarado came on with two men on and one out, allowing a run to score on a fielder's choice for the first out. He then walked pitcher Dan Straily before getting a groundball out to end the game. The Rays used eight total pitchers in the 16-inning affair, including current closer Sergio Romo, so Alvarado's second save in three outings appears to be more situational than anything. |
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Jun 29 2018 | Alvarado recorded the final out to pick up his second save Friday against Houston. | The Rays went to the lefty Alvarado to turn around switch hitter Marwin Gonzalez. The substitution worked, as Gonzalez grounded into a fielder's choice on the first pitch to end the game. Expect Sergio Romo to continue to get the bulk of save opportunities in Tampa Bay, but the Rays are obviously not shy to play the percentages in the ninth inning. |
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Jun 4 2018 | Alvarado (0-2) allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk over one inning in a loss to the Mariners on Sunday. He struck out three. | Asked to protect a 1-0 lead entering the bottom of the eighth, Alvarado dug an immediate hole by issuing a leadoff walk to Ryon Healy. A Brad Miller error then allowed Guillermo Heredia to reach and simultaneously sent pinch-runner Andrew Romine to third. A pair of RBI singles by Denard Span and Dee Gordon sandwiched around a Mike Zunino strikeout subsequently gave the Mariners a 2-1 lead they wouldn't relinquish, although the 23-year-old southpaw kept the deficit manageable by impressively retiring Jean Segura and Mitch Haniger on punchouts to close out the frame. The stumble resulted in Alvarado being charged with both his second loss and blown save of the season, and it extended the uncertainty surrounding the status of the Rays' closer role following the trade of Alex Colome to the Mariners late last month. |
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May 25 2018 | Alvarado could see save chances in Tampa Bay after Alex Colome was traded to the Mariners on Friday. | The Rays have not yet named a replacement for Colome in the ninth inning, but Alvarado is the presumptive favorite to step in. He's the only other pitcher besides Colome to have recorded a save for the Rays this season, plus he throws hard and misses bats. Alvarado, a left-hander, has also been mostly split-neutral, holding opposite-handed hitters to a .167/.271/.225 batting line so far this year (with lefties batting .161/.257/.161). |
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May 24 2018 | Alvarado recorded four strikeouts over 1.2 perfect innings in a loss to the Red Sox on Wednesday. | Alvarado was particularly locked in during the seventh, when he set down Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and Eduardo Nunez on swinging strikeouts. The hard-throwing southpaw was coming off giving up a combined three earned runs over his previous two appearances, so Wednesday's outing represented a welcome departure and represented his first multi-strikeout tally since April 28. |
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May 15 2018 | Alvarado notched his 11th hold in Monday's win over the Royals, getting one out on three pitches to close out the eighth inning. | The burly southpaw carried out his assigned task to perfection after manager Kevin Cash brought him on with two out in the eighth in a matchup-based move. Alvarado retired the same-handed Mike Moustakas on a flyball to right with a quick three pitches, extending his scoreless-appearance streak to eight in the process. Alvarado has lowed his ERA from 3.60 to 2.16 during that stretch while compiling five holds and his only save of the season. |
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Apr 30 2018 | Alvarado worked around a hit and a walk while recording the final two outs of Monday's win over the Tigers to notch his first save of the season. | Alex Colome had pitched three of the last four days, so it was Alvarado who got the call after Chaz Roe loaded the bases with one out in the ninth. The lefty actually allowed two inherited runners to score, but he was able to close out the frame and preserve the win. Alvarado's first career save wasn't the result of his best work, but he still has a 2.57 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP on the season. Colome has struggled mightily at times this season and could perhaps cede some save opportunities to Alvarado in the future if the matchup calls for his skill set. |
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Apr 29 2018 | Alvarado notched his eighth hold in a win over the Red Sox on Saturday, allowing a hit and recording two strikeouts over 1.1 scoreless innings. | The burly southpaw continues to mow through the opposition, with Saturday's outing marking his third straight scoreless effort following a pair of rare hiccups earlier in the month. Alvarado lowered his ERA back under 3.00 with his four-out appearance against Boston, and he's now racked up his eight holds over his last 11 appearances. |
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Apr 23 2018 | Alvarado allowed two earned runs on two hits over 1.1 innings in a win over the Twins on Sunday. He also recorded a strikeout. | Alvarado's outing started off in typically strong fashion, as he induced an inning-ending double play from Eddie Rosario in the seventh. However, he yielded singles to Logan Morrison and Ehire Adrianza over the first four batters in the eighth and was charged with a pair of earned runs when both scored on Brian Dozier's RBI single off Sergio Romo. Alvarado has now surrendered three earned runs overall in his last two trips to the mound, but he's nevertheless notched holds in each of his last three appearances. |
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Apr 19 2018 | Alvarado notched his fourth hold in a 4-2 win over the Rangers on Wednesday, firing a scoreless eighth inning in which he recorded a strikeout. | The burly southpaw whittled his ERA down to 1.13 with Wednesday's effort, his seventh consecutive scoreless outing. Alvarado has actually been a much steadier presence than closer Alex Colome thus far, but the latter remains in the ninth-inning role for the time being. However, Alvarado's high 90s fastball certainly affords him the necessary firepower to handle closing work if called upon. |
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Apr 12 2018 | Alvarado notched his third hold by firing a scoreless inning in a 2-1 loss to the White Sox on Wednesday, allowing a walk while recording two strikeouts. | Alvarado threw 20 pitches overall in a rather laborious inning, but he still managed to grab his third hold of the season with his fifth straight scoreless outing. The 22-year-old southpaw has already proven to be an effective setup option in the early going, and both his handedness and high-90s fastball should continue to afford him plenty of work over the course of the season. |
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Apr 6 2018 | Alvarado was credited with his first hold of the season in Thursday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Red Sox, firing a scoreless eighth inning in which he recorded two strikeouts. | Alvarado needed a scant eight pitches -- seven which found the strike zone -- to retire Eduardo Nunez, Jackie Bradley, Jr. and Christian Vazquez. It was the burly southpaw's third scoreless effort over his first four appearances, building on what was an impressive spring during which he'd generated a 1.80 ERA across 10 trips to the mound. Alvarado's elite strikeout upside should continue to afford him plenty of setup work over the course of the season. |
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Mar 19 2018 | Alvarado's spring ERA is down to 1.13 ERA over eight outings after he fired a scoreless eighth inning in Sunday's 10-5 Grapefruit League win over the Tigers. He also recorded a strikeout. | He was solid in a bullpen role during his 2017 rookie campaign (3.64 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 29:9 K:BB over 29.7 innings), but he's taken it up a notch this spring, allowing only three hits over eight scoreless frames while also racking up 10 whiffs. Alvarado projects as a valuable left-handed option for manager Kevin Cash in 2018, and his swing-and-miss upside could afford him plenty of high-leverage, late-inning opportunities. |
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Sep 28 2017 | Alvarado fired a scoreless two-thirds of an inning in Wednesday's 6-1 loss to the Yankees, allowing a hit and a walk while recording a strikeout. | That's eight consecutive scoreless efforts for Alvarado since rejoining the club from Triple-A Durham on Sept. 5, as well as 13 consecutive overall at the big-league level dating back to Aug. 4. The 22-year-old southpaw has lowered his ERA from 5.59 to 3.77 over that stretch and is providing plenty of reason to believe he could serve as an effective left-handed relief option next season. |
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Sep 5 2017 | Alvarado was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Tuesday. | Alvarado will rejoin the big club after posting a 3.93 ERA and 26:13 K:BB through 18.1 innings with Durham. He posted an unimpressive 4.76 ERA in 22.2 innings with the Rays earlier in the season, so he's expected to pitch in lower-leverage situations down the stretch. |
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Aug 5 2017 | Alvarado, just recalled from Triple-A Durham earlier Friday, struck out the side in the ninth inning of a 2-0 loss to the Brewers. | The outing was literally perfect, as Alvarado struck out each of the three batters he faced on a minimum three pitches apiece. The 22-year-old had given up five earned runs over 1.1 innings in his last three appearances before being sent down in late June, so it remains to seen if he worked out some of his issues during his recent stay with the Bulls. |
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Aug 4 2017 | Alvarado was recalled by the Rays on Friday. | Alvarado takes the vacant roster spot of starter Blake Snell, who was optioned to Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move, and likely serves as a temporary promotion. The left-hander owns a 5.89 ERA in 21 relief appearances for Tampa Bay this year and will likely be used exclusively in low-leverage situations. |
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Jun 20 2017 | Alvarado (0-2) gave up three earned runs on two hits and a walk while failing to record an out in Monday's 7-3 loss to the Reds. | Alvarado was asked to preserve a 3-3 tie but didn't come close to accomplishing that goal, allowing all three hitters he faced to reach base before getting pulled. The 22-year-old southpaw has encountered some rough sledding over his last three trips to the mound, giving up five earned runs over three innings and seeing his ERA rise from 3.21 to 5.29 in the process. |
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Jun 8 2017 | Alvarado notched his fifth hold of the season in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the White Sox, firing a scoreless eighth inning. | It was the 22-year-old's fifth scoreless effort in his last six trips to the mound and he's now lowered his ERA to 3.29 and WHIP to 0.73. All five of Alvarado's holds have come since May 14, a stretch in which he's posted a .175 wOBA, 2.08 ERA and .103 BAA across 8.2 innings in nine appearances. |
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Jun 5 2017 | Alvarado fired a scoreless inning in Sunday's 7-1 loss to the Mariners, allowing a walk and recording a strikeout. | The 22-year-old southpaw continues to be a reliable option out of the bullpen, with Sunday's effort serving as his fourth scoreless outing over the last five. After stumbling out of the gate by giving up three earned runs against the Marlins in his first appearance on May 3, Alvarado has posted a 1.54 ERA, .154 wOBA, 0.69 WHIP and .103 BAA in 11.2 innings across 12 subsequent trips to the mound. |
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May 23 2017 | Alvardo fired a scoreless inning in Monday's 3-2 loss to the Angels, recording a strikeout. | Alvarado was summoned to the big-league club from Triple-A Durham and has been a solid left-handed option for manager Kevin Cash. The 22-year-old stumbled in his debut against the Marlins on May 3, but he's given up just an earned run in the 7.2 innings across his subsequent eight outings. His progressively dwindling 4.15 ERA is therefore simply a remnant of his rocky first outing, while his 0.58 WHIP is elite. |
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