46 Jose Alvarado RP

Alvarado is one of several Rays players with plenty to prove in 2020, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Alvarado threw an impressive bullpen session Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

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.

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.

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.

Alvarado (elbow) was shifted to the 60-day injured list Thursday, which likely ends his season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This move frees up a roster spot for Kean Wong, who was promoted from Triple-A Durham on Thursday. Per Topkin, manager Kevin Cash said Alvarado hasn't suffered any setbacks, but his elbow apparently hasn't responded well to rest and there simply isn't enough time for the southpaw to return before the end of the season, barring the Rays making the World Series.

Alvarado's (elbow) MRI and doctor visit Monday yielded fairly encouraging results, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Alvarado landed on the injured list with elbow inflammation Saturday. He was diagnosed with elbow tendinitis during his doctor visit and is resting for now. He's expected to return at some point this season, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com.

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.

Alvarado worked as the opener Saturday and allowed one run while recording only one out, and he threw only nine of his 24 pitches for strikes. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the 24-year-old couldn't specifically describe the pain, but he'll return to Tampa Bay and undergo an MRI on Monday.

Alvarado will serve as the opener for Saturday's game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The left-hander is in line to toss the first inning or so before making way for a bulk reliever, who has yet to be named. Alvarado hasn't allowed a run over his last four outings (three innings).

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 struck out one.

It was a signature Alvarado outing in that he struggled with his location before wiggling out of trouble. The left-hander worked up to 23 pitches due to his control, and an error by Willy Adames also helped extend the inning. Alvarado ultimately struck out Harold Castro to get out of the inning and then became the pitcher of record courtesy of Ji-Man Choi's game-winning single in the home half of the frame. Alvarado has fired 1.2 scoreless innings across the two appearances he's logged since returning from a month-plus stay on the injured list due to an oblique issue.

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. He also recorded a strikeout.

Alvarado ended up laboring through a 28-pitch appearance right out of the gate in his return from the injured list, with some of the control issues he'd experienced prior to his layoff quickly resurfacing. The left-hander was used in a setup capacity behind Emilio Pagan on Tuesday, but he could naturally start to see some save opportunities in coming games as he gets back into the swing of things. More consistent control will likely be one of the prerequisites to earning manager Kevin Cash's trust, with Alvarado now having issued four walks in his last two innings of work (three appearances) dating back to before his injured-list stint.

Alvarado (oblique) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

The southpaw returns to the Rays' bullpen after being sidelined since July 6. In five rehab appearances, Alvarado recorded an ERA of 2.45 with a 1.09 WHIP. Right-hander Austin Pruitt was optioned to Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move.

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.

The left-handed reliever has logged five rehab appearances and posted a solid 2.45 ERA and .154 BAA across 3.2 innings. Alvarado has also been better on the control front -- something the Rays wanted him to work on during his time in the minors --issuing zero walks in four of his five appearances. A spot for Alvarado could be cleared by the placement of Tommy Pham (hand) on the injured list, a move that's reportedly being considered as of late Monday night.

Alvarado (oblique) allowed an earned run on two hits and recorded two strikeouts over an inning in Triple-A Durham's win over Indianapolis on Friday, and he could be promoted at any time due to the team's pitching needs, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Alvarado's ERA was blemished for the first time in four rehab appearances, but he was otherwise effective while firing 14 of 21 pitches for strikes. The left-hander has seemingly proven his health after logging 3.1 innings in the minors, and he could be a candidate for activation as early as Saturday.

Alvarado (oblique) fired a scoreless seventh inning in Triple-A Durham's win over Syracuse on Tuesday, allowing no hits and two walks while recording a strikeout.

A report Monday indicated Alvarado would take the hill Wednesday and Thursday for the Bulls, but that schedule was apparently moved up by a day. Alvarado threw 26 pitches overall Tuesday, with control problems leading to him getting only 12 of those offerings into the strike zone. Alvarado is scheduled to toe the rubber again Wednesday, after which he'll likely be evaluated for possible activation.

Alvarado (oblique) is slated to make rehab appearances for Triple-A Durham on Wednesday and Thursday, the Associated Press reports.

Alvarado breezed through his first rehab appearance with High-A Charlotte on Sunday, getting through a perfect frame in 11 pitches. The left-hander will now move up a couple of levels in competition, and if that pair of outings go well, he's likely to be activated when first eligible Friday.

Alvarado (oblique) fired a perfect first inning in High-A Charlotte's loss to Palm Beach on Sunday.

Alvarado needed only 11 pitches, nine of which he threw for strikes, to get through his one frame. The left-hander's first rehab outing obviously went extremely well, although the level of competition has to be taken into account. Alvarado is slated for at least a couple more rehab appearances this coming week before a possible activation next Friday.

Alvarado (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Charlotte on Sunday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Alvarado has been out since early July with a strained oblique. An exact return timeline has yet to be established, but he could return as soon as next Friday in Seattle if he looks good during his rehab outings. He needs to work on his command as much as working on getting healthy, as he struggled to a 12.54 ERA and a 19.6 percent walk rate over his final 12 outings prior to the injury.