Jose Alvarez pitched decently in a losing effort against the Royals in the nightcap of Friday's doubleheader, surrendering two runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings. Alvarez walked three and struck out five in the spot start. All of the damage against him came on a two-run blast off the bat of Eric Hosmer in the third inning. Alvarez has posted a 1-3 record, 4.62 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in five starts for the Tigers this season. He'll head back to Triple-A Toledo where he'll continue to serve as an emergency option.