Ignacio Alvarez: Everything you need to know

Atlanta optioned Alvarez to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday. The 22-year-old was attempting to earn a roster spot as a utility player, but he instead ends up being one of the first cuts of camp. Alvarez played in 58 big-league games last season and had a .234/.296/.330 slash line with two home runs in 208 plate appearances.

Alvarez (thumb) will start at third base and bat ninth in Monday's game versus the Nationals. Alvarez was unable to participate in Sunday's game against the Tigers due to a laceration on his thumb, but he's been cleared to return to action after being given a day to let the injury heal. The 22-year-old cranked his first two major-league home runs in his last game Saturday in Detroit.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Detroit due to a laceration on his thumb, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. Alvarez sustained the injury earlier in the weekend, and while the cut didn't require stitches, he'll be out of commission for at least one game. Vidal Brujan will draw the start at third base in place of Alvarez, who starred in Saturday's 6-5 come-from-behind win with three hits -- including two home runs -- and three RBI.