Alvarez slated for Class A rehab game

SAN FRANCISCO -- Henderson Alvarez threw 50 pitches Thursday in an extended spring game, and the Marlins right-hander is on schedule to join the big league club perhaps by the middle of the month.

On the disabled list since April 13 with right shoulder inflammation, Alvarez's next step will be in a rehab assignment game with Class A Advanced Jupiter on Tuesday.

"Henderson threw 50 pitches and everything went well," Miami manager Mike Redmond said Thursday afternoon. "They said his velocity was 91-92 [mph]. He got through it, and everything went well."

Alvarez pitched at the Roger Dean Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla., site of Miami's Spring Training home.

"There will be another start for him in five days, and then we'll re-evaluate him from there," Redmond said.

Miami's Opening Day starter, Alvarez appeared in just two big league games before he experienced discomfort in his throwing arm after an April 12 loss to the Rays at Marlins Park. The right-hander gave up four runs on seven hits in five innings.

An MRI revealed shoulder inflammation and some mild tightness in his elbow.

The 25-year-old is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts this season.

Still, he is a big part of the rotation. If all goes well in his start Tuesday for the Hammerheads, Alvarez could be lined up to be reinstated as early as May 17 against the Braves in Miami.

Before jumping to that conclusion, the club wants to see how Alvarez responds in his rehab start with Jupiter.

"Hopefully, we'll get him to around 75-80 pitches in the next one, and then we'll see," Redmond said.