ProfileHt.: 5'11" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: L / Throws: L
Debut06/09/2013
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Alvarez turned pro in 2005 when he signed with the Red Sox out of Venezuela. Boston traded him to the Marlins following the 2009 season to acquire outfielder Jeremy Hermida. Alvarez pitched well for the Marlins in the low minors, but his strikeout rate dipped at Double-A in 2011, and he signed with the Tigers as a minor league free agent at age 23 after the 2012 season. Detroit made a shrewd signing, as Alvarez jumped to Triple-A Toledo and performed better than ever and made his major league debut in June 2013. Sitting at 88-90 mph and touching 92, Alvarez lacks plus velocity, so he needs to command his fastball down and keep the ball on the ground. He keeps hitters honest with a plus changeup, which he throws with the same arm speed and release point as his fastball. His best breaking ball is a fringy low-80s slider with sweepy action, and he'll sprinkle in a below-average curve on occasion. Alvarez could be a No. 5 starter or a swingman, though with the Tigers' rotation depth, his best chance to stay in Detroit might be as a reliever.
Best Tools List
Rated Best Control in the Detroit Tigers in 2014
Rated Best Changeup in the Detroit Tigers in 2014
Rated Best Changeup in the Miami Marlins in 2012
Rated Best Changeup in the Miami Marlins in 2011
Career Transactions
Toledo Mud Hens placed LHP Jose Alvarez on the 60-day injured list.
LHP Jose Alvarez assigned to Toledo Mud Hens.
Detroit Tigers signed free agent LHP Jose Alvarez to a minor league contract.
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