Alvarez on tap to start finale with Braves
Opening Day starter returning from stint on DL; Koehler heading to 'pen
MIAMI -- The Marlins' rotation is about to get a significant boost. The club announced Henderson Alvarez will be coming off the disabled list and will start in the series finale against the Braves on Sunday.
Miami's Opening Day starter, Alvarez has been on the DL since April 13 with right shoulder inflammation. Alvarez was an All-Star in 2014, and he will replace Tom Koehler, who becomes another option in the bullpen.
Alvarez made just two starts before experiencing shoulder/elbow discomfort during his April 12 outing against the Rays. An MRI revealed inflammation.
Alvarez threw 76 pitches in a rehab assignment start for Class A Jupiter on Tuesday.
In his two starts, the right-hander is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA.
Koehler is one of the organization's most versatile and durable pitchers. The right-hander is 2-3 with a 4.62 ERA in seven outings. He has experience working out of the bullpen.
Miami's bullpen has labored, and Koehler, who throws in the mid-90s, could maximize his velocity in the upper 90s by pitching in a setup role. He has made 63 career starts, and is 17-24 (4.17 ERA). Koehler has logged 19 2/3 innings in relief in 13 games, posting a 4.12 ERA.