Alvarado was signed as a pitcher out of Venezuela in 2012, when he was only 16 years old. He pitched his first two seasons in the Venezuelan Summer League, where he was used as a starter, posting a 3-11 total record with an ERA of 1.97 in 2013. In 2014, Alvarado was on the Rays rookie league team, he started 11 games, going 1-5 with a 3.79 era. In 2015, Alvarado still played in rookie league, and struggled mightily in 5 starts, posting an era of 9.53. In 2016 he converted to the bullpen and improved dramatically, posting a 3.06 ERA between Low-A and High-A with an 85/55 K/BB in 71 innings. In 2017, Alvarado played for the Montgomery Biscuts, where he posted a 2-1 record in 9 games with an ERA of 2.38.
Tampa Bay Rays
On May 3, Alvarado was called up directly from Double-AMontgomery to give the Rays a left-handed option out of the bullpen. He was only 21 when he received the call up. Alvarado made his debut the same day, getting hit hard and allowing 3 runs on 2 hits in his only inning of work. He calmed down after his debut, only allowing one run in his next 10 appearances. On August 4, 2017, Alvarado pitched an immaculate inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in a game at Tropicana Field. He finished the season 0-3 with a 3.64 ERA in innings. In 2018, Alvarado was a key contributor to the Rays bullpen, specifically in late, high leverage situations. Overall, Alvarado finished the season with a 2.39 earned run average, 8 saves, 31 holds, an 11.3 strikeout per nine in 64 innings over 70 games. During the 2019 season, he struggled with inconsistency and injury, appearing in only 35 games after leaving the United States in June for family reasons, being placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain and spending the entire month of September on the injured list with left elbow inflammation. In 30 innings, Alvarado posted a 4.80 ERA, striking out 39 batters while walking 27.
Scouting Profile
Alvarado is tall and weighs. He throws a 2-seam fastball which consistently ranges from 96 to 99 mph, and a power curveball which is in the low to mid-80s. Alvarado has struggled to find control in the majors, which was a major reason in his switch from the rotation to the bullpen.
Personal life
Alvarado grew up in Venezuela. He likes to hunt 3-foot iguanas and paca, with a slingshot. He has two children, a daughter and a son.
