Tigers tab Alvarez to start twin-bill nightcap

DETROIT -- The Tigers announced Jose Alvarez will start the second game of Friday's day-night doubleheader against the Royals.

Alvarez has made four starts with the Tigers this season, making most of them in June when Anibal Sanchez was on the 15-day disabled list. Alvarez is 1-2 with a 5.03 ERA to go with 17 strikeouts and seven walks in 19 2/3 innings.

Since his last stint in the Majors, Alvarez went 3-2 with a 2.82 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A Toledo. He will be pitching on normal rest after making his last start on Sunday.

The Tigers won't need to make a roster move to accommodate Alvarez because of the 26th-man exemption for the doubleheader.