Jose Alvarado Stats & Scouting Report

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When the Rays signed Alvarado for $50,000 in 2012, he was a skinny lefthander with a mid-80s fastball. He's gained velocity as he's added weight, and he was pitching in the mid-90s by the time he made his stateside debut in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2014. After struggling to command his pitches as a starter, Alvarado transitioned to the bullpen in 2016. Starting the year in low Class A, Alvarado was unhittable and he quickly earned a promotion to high Class A. His fastball routinely sits at 94-98 and touches 100 mph, and his downer curveball has plus depth with late snap. Alvarado throws from a slightly higher three-quarters slot and has a tendency to rush his delivery. As he's gained weight, he has struggled to maintain balance over the rubber and he is a below-average athlete, causing him trouble controlling his body and repeating his release point. That leads to well below-average command and control. His elite stuff from the left side prompted the Rays to add him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, and he'll aim to gain more control in 2017 as he works towards his late-inning reliever ceiling.

Alvarado was a skinny lefty throwing in the mid-80s when the Rays signed him for $50,000. He didn't do much to stand out that season, but his velocity shot into the mid-90s in 2013, when he led Venezuelan Summer League starters with 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings. Alvarado continued to show swing-and-miss stuff this year in the GCL, though he's still trying to figure out where the ball is going sometimes. Alvarado's stuff ranks among the best in the Rays' system. He pitches at 92-96 mph and touches 97 with heavy sink, which helps him miss bats in the zone or induce weak grounders. He throws a hard curveball with power and depth that is an out-pitch for him. His firm changeup is a below-average pitch he will need to develop to remain a starter. Alvarado has grown two inches and added 30 pounds since signing, so he still is learning to control his delivery, which gets out of sync and makes him prone to bouts of wildness.

Philadelphia Phillies activated LHP José Alvarado from the restricted list.
Philadelphia Phillies placed LHP José Alvarado on the restricted list.
Philadelphia Phillies placed LHP José Alvarado on the 15-day injured list retroactive to July 7, 2023. Left elbow inflammation.
Philadelphia Phillies activated LHP José Alvarado from the 15-day injured list.
Philadelphia Phillies sent LHP José Alvarado on a rehab assignment to Reading Fightin Phils.
Philadelphia Phillies sent LHP José Alvarado on a rehab assignment to Reading Fightin Phils.
Philadelphia Phillies sent LHP José Alvarado on a rehab assignment to Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Philadelphia Phillies placed LHP José Alvarado on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 8, 2023. Left elbow inflammation.
Venezuela activated LHP José Alvarado.