Alvarez threw two scoreless innings in Monday's loss to the Cardinals, walking one, striking out one and allowing one hit.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez struggled early on in his time with the Phillies, allowing nine runs (eight earned) in 7.2 innings of work over his first eight outings. He's now on a streak of five straight scoreless appearances, bringing his season ERA down to a still-high 5.84. He's still not striking out nearly enough batters, as his strikeout rate sits at 12.5 percent after coming in above 22 percent in each of the last two seasons.

Alvarez allowed one run in a scoreless inning and secured his first save of the season Sunday against Miami.

EDGE Analysis

It was a quick seven-pitch inning for Alvarez, who gave up a leadoff single before getting two ground balls to end the ballgame. After surrendering eight hits and five runs (four earned) over his previous two appearances (three innings), a strong showing was just what the 29-year-old lefty needed to gain some confidence back.

Alvarez (0-1) took the loss Tuesday against the Nationals, allowing four runs on six hits (including one homer) while striking out two in 1.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty was able to retire Adam Eaton to close out the ninth inning and send the game to extras, but he couldn't get the job done in the tenth frame. He allowed five straight hits to start that inning, with a Juan Soto three-run homer doing most of the damage. Alvarez has now allowed multiple runs in two of his first four appearances this season.

Alvarez agreed to a one-year, $1.93 million contract Friday that allowed him to avoid arbitration, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez was traded from the Angels to the Phillies in early December, and he's expected to open the 2019 season in his new team's bullpen. His solid 2.71 ERA with 59 strikeouts over 63.0 frames a year ago were the best numbers he's posted during his young career, and he could see plenty of mid-to-high-leverage opportunities if he keeps it up.

Alvarez was traded from the Angels to the Phillies on Thursday in exchange for Luis Garcia, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez was one of his team's top relievers in 2018, ending the year with a 2.71 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with a 59:22 K:BB over 63 innings. The Phillies figure to deploy the 29-year-old lefty in plenty of high-leverage spots when the 2019 campaign rolls around.

Alvarez struck out the one batter he faced and picked up the save Sunday against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez was called upon with two outs in the bottom of the ninth after Blake Parker allowed the tying run and winning runs to reach base. Alvarez would fan Nicky Delmonico to slam the door. Through 71 appearances this season, Alvarez has notched 11 holds and owns a solid 2.59 ERA with 57 strikeouts through 59 frames this season.

Alvarez was credited with the win after firing a scoreless inning while allowing a hit and striking out two against the Padres on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez has been effective in relief this season, posting a 2.68 ERA with 49 strikeouts over 50.1 innings. The 29-year-old hasn't been used in any save situations, but he has established himself as manager Mike Scioscia's top left-handed arm out of the bullpen.

Alvarez allowed two hits, but struck out three over a scoreless inning in Wednesday's win over the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez is quietly having a breakout season in a bullpen that has struggled of late. The 29-year-old owns a 1.04 ERA with a healthy 4.5 K/BB ratio through 17.1 innings. His 2.57 FIP (3.72 career mark) indicates that we are witnessing an improved pitcher, and not just a lucky start to the campaign.

Alvarez had a walk and a strikeout over 1.1 innings in Friday's 13-9 victory over the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez has spun 4.1 scoreless innings so far this year. The 29-year-old should reach double-digit holds for the third consecutive season serving as the Angels' top left-handed option out of the bullpen. He doesn't offer enough in terms of ratio help to sustain value outside of very deep hold leagues.

Alvarez agreed to a one-year, $1.05 million deal with the Angels on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group reports.

EDGE Analysis

This was the first offseason as an arbitration-eligible player for Alvarez. The left-hander appeared in 64 games for the third straight year, compiling a 3.88 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 48.2 innings of relief. Looking ahead to this season, Alvarez should receive a decent amount of time on the field as one of the lone left-handed options in the Angels' bullpen.