Alvarado (elbow) threw 13 pitches of live batting practice Wednesday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

As long as there are no complications in the aftermath of the workout, Alvarado could be cleared to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment before the end of the week. He had pitched to a stellar 0.63 ERA and 24:0 K:BB across 14.1 innings this year for the Phillies prior to going on the injured list May 10 with left elbow inflammation. He should be in the mix for saves again once he returns to full health.

Alvarado (elbow) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Wednesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarado could be cleared to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment if Wednesday's workout goes smoothly. The hard-throwing left-hander was sporting a 0.63 ERA with 24 strikeouts and zero walks through 14.1 innings this year for the Phillies when he landed on the injured list May 10 due to elbow inflammation. He had also earned five saves and could eventually challenge Craig Kimbrel for a chunk of the team's ninth-inning opportunities.

Alvarado (elbow) played catch on flat ground but did not throw a bullpen session Saturday as scheduled, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Rob Thomson said Alvarado was hitting 98 mph in a bullpen session earlier this week and probably pushed himself too hard. However, despite the delay to Alvarado's return to mound work, the skipper insists this isn't a setback. With that, it sounds like the lefty still has a chance to advance to live batting practice next week.

Alvarado (elbow) will throw another bullpen session Saturday, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

EDGE Analysis

If all goes according to plan, Alvarado will move to throwing live batting practice next week during the Phillies' series against the Mets. From there, the 28-year-old closer would likely require a rehab assignment before returning to Philly's bullpen. Alvarado has been on the injured list since May 10 with left elbow inflammation.

Alvarado (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday if Monday's flat-ground session goes well, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

He'll need an addition bullpen session after that before progressing to facing hitters and eventually going out on a rehab assignment. It's not clear at this point how many rehab appearances Alvarado might require. He's trending in the right direction, but the fireballing reliever still has a ways to go.

Alvarado (elbow) played catch on flat ground Friday, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarado is just throwing from a distance of 75 feet for now and will continue that for a couple of days before then ramping up toward a return to mound work. The lefty reliever has been sidelined since May 10 due to elbow inflammation. He is tracking toward being ready for activation around the end of the month.

Alvarado (elbow) is expected to begin a throwing program in the early part of the week, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarado isn't traveling with the Phillies while the team wraps up its six-game road trip with a three-game set in San Francisco to begin the week, but he looks to have received the green light to resume playing catch back in Philadelphia. The left-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list last Wednesday due to elbow inflammation and is first eligible to return May 23. Assuming the Phillies' closer endures no setbacks as he initiates his throwing program, he could be on track for activation in close to the minimum 15 days.

The MRI on Alvarado's left elbow has come back negative, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarado is dealing with inflammation, which forced him to the injured list earlier Wednesday, but fortunately he does not have any structural damage. He will be shut down for a few days before being re-evaluated. Gelb writes that the Phillies plan to "take it slow" with the reliever, so it seems likely to be longer than a minimum stay on the IL. Craig Kimbrel is the favorite to close for Philadelphia while Alvarado is shelved.

Alvarado, who was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with left elbow inflammation, underwent an MRI that is currently being reviewed, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

More clarity on Alvarado's condition is expected to be available soon, but Phillies manager Rob Thomson admitted that he's "a little concerned, for sure," about the closer's health. Alvarado has been arguably the best reliever in baseball this season with a 1.88 ERA and 24:0 K:BB over 14.1 innings. Craig Kimbrel looks like the top candidate to close for the Phillies while Alvarado is away, with perhaps Seranthony Dominguez, Gregory Soto and Matt Strahm also in the mix.

Alvarado was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with left elbow inflammation.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarado was unavailable to pitch Tuesday versus the Blue Jays due to left wrist tightness and that discomfort has now seemingly migrated to his elbow. An estimated recovery timetable was not immediately available. The move to the IL was made retroactive to Monday (May 8), so Alvarado will be eligible to return May 23 should he prove ready. Craig Kimbrel could handle the lion's share of the ninth-inning opportunities while Alvarado is out.