Michael Alvarez: Everything you need to know

Alvarez was optioned to Triple-A Rochester after Sunday's 3-0 win over the Giants. Alvarez was called up from Rochester ahead of Sunday's series finale against San Francisco, and he was able to earn a win in his 2026 debut with Washington. The southpaw tossed the final 4.1 innings of the team's combined shutout of the Giants, allowing three hits while striking out five. Alvarez posted a 2.31 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 20 strikeouts over 23.1 innings in five starts with the Nationals in 2025, and considering how well he pitched Sunday, he likely won't have to wait long for another shot with the big-league club.

The Nationals recalled Alvarez from Triple-A Rochester on Sunday. The left-hander has a 4.66 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 27:10 K:BB across 19.1 frames in four starts for Rochester and will now get a look in the big-league bullpen. The Nationals are starting PJ Poulin as an opener Sunday before turning to primary pitcher Miles Mikolas, after which Alvarez could be called upon to provide some more length.

The Nationals optioned Alvarez to Triple-A Rochester on Friday. While Alvarez was technically in the running for a spot in the Nationals' rotation, it's been likely from the jump that he would begin the year at Rochester. The southpaw has pitched well this spring, allowing two runs with an 11:5 K:BB over nine innings. Alvarez remains a good bet to make some starts for the Nationals this season.