Alvarez was added to the Dodgers' 40-man roster Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Once considered a fairly elite pitching prospect, Alvarez's fantasy stock has plummeted in recent seasons. He has electric stuff, but struggles to throw strikes, and probably profiles better out of the bullpen long term. That said, he definitely has big-league stuff and could eventually become a late-inning reliever. If the Dodgers elect to go that route, he could reach the big leagues this summer.

Alvarez was placed on the 7-day disabled list Sunday at Double-A Tulsa due to a left groin strain.

EDGE Analysis

Once viewed as one of the top starting pitching prospects in the lower minors, Alvarez has seen his stock plummet over the last year after his command took a major turn for the worse during his age-21 season. Prior to sustaining the injury, the hard-throwing Alvarez had only seen his performance suffer further in his second taste of the Double-A level, as he posted a 5.87 ERA, 2.02 WHIP and 17:20 K:BB in 15.1 innings. The groin strain probably isn't anything significant enough to alter Alvarez's long-term outlook, but his continued struggles when healthy have made it more and more likely that the right-hander will eventually be converted to a relief role.

Alvarez, 21, has a 4.00 ERA and 29:23 K:BB in 27 innings since being promoted to Double-A Tulsa.

EDGE Analysis

The problem is clear when looking at Alvarez's stats; he has been way too wild at this level, resulting in additional baserunners and only a mediocre ERA. His stuff is overpowering enough that he still gets by at this level, but that will not be the case as he continues to ascend the organizational ladder. Alvarez oozes potential, but he remains a work in progress.

Alvarez was promoted to Double-A Tulsa on Thursday, Eric Stephen of SB Nation reports.

EDGE Analysis

One of the top pitching prospects in the Dodgers' system, Alvarez gets the call up to Double-A after posting a 5.31 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP across 59.1 innings at High-A Rancho Cucamonga. Despite the less-than-ideal ratios, Alvarez flashed an ability to miss bats while at High-A with 61 strikeouts over that 59.1 inning sample. The 21-year-old will likely remain at Double-A for the rest of the 2017 campaign.

Alvarez, 21, has a 5.37 ERA and 56:23 K:BB through 55.1 innings for High-A Rancho Cucamonga.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez lasted just 3.2 innings in his last start, allowing four earned runs while walking three batters. His control had been better prior to that start, though, as he walked just one batter in five of those previous six outings. The 21-year-old is only just starting to scratch the surface of his potential, though it is clear he's got some kinks to work out.

Alvarez, 21, has a 5.87 ERA and 32:16 K:BB through 30.2 innings for High-A Rancho Cucamonga.

EDGE Analysis

While it is true Alvarez is pitching in hitter-friendly confines in the California League, that does not explain the lack of control exhibited. The additional base runners have caused his ERA to balloon. The sample size is small, and the 6-foot-3 righty remains an elite pitching prospect, but he certainly has some kinks to work out at this time.

Alvarez was assigned Monday to High-A Rancho Cucamonga, Sam Dykstra of MiLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

In an attempt to limit his innings count, the Dodgers kept Alvarez, 21, at extended spring training for an additional two weeks to begin the season. The right-hander will now have the opportunity to test himself against California League competition, and if he's able to dominate at that level like he did in Low-A ball last season, he could head into 2018 as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball.

Alvarez was held back in extended spring training as the Dodgers attempt to limit his innings this season, MLB.com's William Boor reports.

EDGE Analysis

For those wondering why the Dodgers' top pitching prospect has not yet made his 2017 debut, this is the reason. He logged 59.1 innings across rookie ball and Low-A last season, and will likely be limited to around 90-100 innings this year, so it makes sense to keep him in extended spring training, where he will be throwing but not logging high-stress innings, for at least a few weeks before sending him to Low-A or High-A.

Alvarez has struck out 20 batters over nine innings in his first two starts for Low-A Great Lakes.

EDGE Analysis

That's a pretty good first impression in his first taste of full-season ball. At this rate, it's looking likely Alvarez will make his MLB debut sometime in 2017.

Alvarez has been promoted to Low-A Great Lakes after posting a 1.80 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 26:10 K:BB in 20 innings in the Arizona League.

EDGE Analysis

It's impossible to read too much into his numbers in rookie ball, as it would have only been noteworthy if he had struggled, given his age (20) and pedigree. Low-A will provide a much truer test, however, and with a strong finish to the season, Alvarez could finish the season as a top-50 prospect for dynasty leagues.