Capps could need Tommy John surgery

MIAMI -- After throwing a pain-free bullpen session on Saturday afternoon, Henderson Alvarez was cleared to start for the Marlins on Tuesday at home against the Rays.

The prognosis is not so encouraging for reliever Carter Capps.

Capps will visit orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews to get a second opinion on his sprained right elbow. The hard-throwing reliever was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. Speculation is Capps could be headed for Tommy John surgery.

When Miami placed Capps on the DL, the team announced he would be shut down a month before resuming throwing. More on Capps' condition will be known after he consults with Dr. Andrews.

Alvarez, meanwhile, threw a 20-pitch bullpen session prior to the Marlins facing the Braves at Marlins Park.

"Everything is fine, so he is on schedule to make his next start on Tuesday," manager Mike Redmond said. "That's great news."

Alvarez has been dealing with some right elbow stiffness, stemming from his start on Wednesday at Washington.

Rafael Furcal continued his rehab assignment with Class A Jupiter on Saturday, and he will have a scheduled off-day on Sunday.

The plan is for Furcal to play for the Hammerheads on Monday and Tuesday. Barring any setbacks, the 36-year-old will progress his rehab assignment to Double-A Jacksonville.

Furcal, a free-agent addition brought in to play second base, has been on the DL all season with a left hamstring strain. While on rehab assignment in late April, the veteran sprained his right groin.