Juan

Alvarez

Alvarez will be used as a lefty specialist, allowing Tommy Phelps to pitch in middle relief. No fantasy value.

Alvarez had a 3.09 ERA in nine appearances for the Marlins during May and June, but he wasn’t recalled in September. He’ll become a free agent.

Alvarez was 0-4 with a 4.76 ERA in a 52 relief appearances for the Rangers last season. He’ll need Michael Tejera to be in the rotation to have any chance of making the team.

In nine Marlins games, Alvarez gave up eight hits in 11 2/3 innings and had a 3.09 ERA, which is certainly better than Vladimir Nunez has performed in Miami or Albuquerque. The decision could have something to do with needing a right-hander over a lefty.

Alvarez’s demotion means that Tommy Phelps has made the team. However, Phelps is only likely to stick around until A.J. Burnett comes off the disabled list.