Alvarez (shoulder) may start playing catch early next week, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports.

If Alvarez can resume throwing just a week after suffering the injury, it would be an excellent sign for his chances of making a quick return. There haven't been may updates since he was placed on the disabled list Monday, but it seems the right-hander has a shot to rejoin the rotation at the end of April, or at least in early-to-mid May.

Alvarez (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday, Juan C. Rodriguez of the Miami Sun Sentinel reports.

Alvarez was scheduled to undergo a precautionary MRI to diagnose elbow/shoulder issues, and although the exact results have yet to be disclosed, the nature of the injury was concerning enough to force the right-hander to the disabled list. Carter Capps was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans in a corresponding move, and could represent one potential candidate to replace Alvarez in the rotation in the short term.

Alvarez is expected to be placed on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports.

The Marlins have not provided an official update on Alvarez's health, but it appears he will be sidelined for at least two weeks. Expect more news regarding Alvarez's status to become available in the near future.

The Marlins are more concerned about a potential injury to Alvarez's shoulder than his elbow, Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports.

It was announced Sunday that Alvarez would undergo a precautionary MRI on his right elbow, but it appears he may be dealing with another injury. It's not clear if or how the elbow and shoulder injuries are connected, but expect the Marlins to provide an update on Alvarez's status after he is examined Monday.

Alvarez is having precautionary X-rays taken on his right elbow, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Alvarez should be considered day-to-day at the moment while he awaits word of the X-ray results. Ditching Alvarez before the results of the X-rays are made public might be a premature move since it's certainly possible for the 24-year-old to return to the mound in short order if he's given good news.

Alvarez struck out a pair and held the Braves to two runs on six hits over seven innings in a losing effort Monday.

He pitched well enough to keep the Marlins in the game, but the Miami offense couldn't solve Julio Teheran and the Atlanta bullpen, plating just one run on the afternoon. Alvarez threw 56 of his 81 pitches for strikes Monday, and his next start will come Sunday at home against the Rays.

Alvarez will the be Marlins' Opening Day starter, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Alvarez gets the nod to take on the Braves for Miami's opener after proving to be the teams most consistent starter during the 2014 season. He's struggled during the exhibition season, posting a 5.54 ERA but with a strong 8:2 K:BB ratio over 13 Grapefruit League innings. Alvarez collected a 2.65 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 187 inninga pitched last season and will keep the top spot in the Marlins rotation warm for the until Jose Fernandez is ready to return over the summer.

Alvarez agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Marlins on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports.

Relying heavily on the groundball (53.8% GB%), Alvarez posted a 2.65 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 30 starts for Miami last season en route to his first All-Star bid. He'll be rewarded in his first year of arbitration with a significant pay raise, and while he doesn't strike out enough batters to ever be among the elite starting pitching options (just 4.8 K/9 for career), his contributions in the ratio categories and potential for wins on an improved team will make him a popular target for many in the middle rounds this spring.

Alvarez closed his breakout 2014 campaign with a tough-luck loss Sunday, hurling seven innings of one-run ball.

A year ago, Alvarez tossed a no-hitter on the final Sunday of the season, but this time around he was out-dueled by the Nationals' Jordan Zimmerman who spun a no-hitter of his own. The setback closes the book on what has been a breakout season for the 24-year-old Alvarez as he worked his power sinker to a 12-7 record, posting an excellent 2.65 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 111:33 K:BB ratio across 187 innings pitched. Alvarez posted the sixth-best ERA in the National League among qualified starters while twirling a league-best three complete-game shutouts. He'll enter the 2015 season as the Marlins' de-facto ace until Jose Fernandez is ready to reclaim the top spot in Miami's rotation.

Alvarez was dominant Tuesday, tossing 7.2 shutout innings on five hits and one walk with two strikeouts against the Phillies.

He has a very odd stat line, as his 2.70 ERA and 1.22 WHIP make him feel like a solid No. 2 fantasy starter, but his 108 strikeouts in 180 innings place him in Mark Buehrle territory in terms of pitching to contact. Alvarez picked up his 12th win of the season Tuesday and will go for his 13th on the final game of the season Sunday against a Washington Nationals team that could be resting some regulars.

Alvarez collected his 11th win Wednesday, tossing six inning of two-run ball against the Mets.

He struck out four and walked two during the effort. After reeling off two straight quality starts since returning from a mild oblique strain, Alvarez' ERA is sitting at 2.82 on the year to go along with a 1.24 WHIP over 172.1 innings pitched. It's been a break-out season for the 24-year-old right-hander as he's tallied double-digit wins for the first time while also leading the league in complete game shutouts. Alvarez will take on the Phillies Tuesday at home.

Alvarez worked seven solid innings Friday night versus the Phillies, allowing one run on seven hits while striking out four.

After an oblique strain cost him a turn in the rotation, Alvarez appeared to be near top form Friday night in Philadelphia. The 2014 All-Star had been struggling on the mound in recent weeks, posting a lofty 7.36 ERA and 1.57 WHIP across previous three starts. Alvarez certainly seems to be back on track.

Alvarez (oblique) has been confirmed as Friday's starter against the Phillies, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

An oblique strain cut Alvarez's last start short and cost him a turn in the rotation, but he will toe the rubber Friday opposite Cole Hamels. Alvarez has given up just six earned runs over 26.2 innings in his four starts against the Phillies this season (2.03 ERA).

Alvarez (oblique) has been cleared to start Friday against the Phillies, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Manager Mike Redmond suggested a Friday return was possible earlier in the week, but the training staff has officially signed off on Alvarez returning to oppose Cole Hamels in the opener against Philadelphia. Alvarez has had a handful of starts cut short due to injury this season, but he's been very good when on the hill, going 10-6 with a 2.88 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.

Alvarez (oblique) could return to the rotation Friday in Philadelphia, the Miami Herald reports.

"If everything goes well and he rejoins us on Friday, that would be a big lift for us," said Manager Mike Redmond about his injured starter. Alvarez was forced from his Sept. 1 starter after just 2.1 innings, allowing three runs on three hits and one walk. When ready, he'll return to a 2.88 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 159.1 innings pitched this season.

Alvarez (oblique) played catch Friday and will throw off a mound in the next few days and then the Marlins will evaluate his progress, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports.

After leaving Monday's game with an oblique strain, it's not clear how many starts Alvarez will miss, but it's conceivable he could pitch as soon as next week. Continue to monitor his status over the next few days.

Alvarez left Monday's game against the Mets with a left oblique strain, Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports.

It was a familiar scene in Miami on Monday, as Alvarez had another start cut short by injury, his fifth abbreviated outing this season. Despite the various minor ailments, Alvarez has required just one stint on the DL this year, and he figures to avoid the DL again this time around so long as he doesn't miss more than a couple starts.

Alvarez left Monday's game against the Mets with an apparent injury, Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal reports.

The right-hander struggled prior to his exit, allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits and a walk over just 2.1 innings. Consider Alvarez day-to-day and questionable to make his next scheduled start Saturday until the team elaborates as to the exact nature and extent of the injury.

Alvarez took his sixth loss of the season Wednesday against the Angels, allowing five earned runs over 6.1 innings with three strikeouts.

Alvarez was chased by a solo home run by the incomparable Mike Trout with one out in the bottom of the seventh, making it the second straight start that he failed to complete seven innings after doing so in five of his last seven turns. Alvarez has allowed nine earned runs over his past 12.1 innings pitched, but still holds a fantastic 2.75 ERA and 1.23 WHIP on the year. Alvarez -- who holds a dominating 1.46 ERA in 80 innings pitched at home this season -- will look to get back on track Monday against the Mets in Miami.

Alvarez picked up his 10th win of the season on Friday against the Rockies, as he gave up four runs on 10 hits while striking out five hitters in six innings pitched.

It certainly wasn't Alvarez' best start of the season, but he was good enough to pick up the win with how well Marlins bats were cranking. It was Alvarez' second start since coming off the DL last week, and while he's not a fantasy ace he definitely gives owners excellent pitching depth. Alvarez and his 2.57 ERA takes the mound on Wednesday against the Angels.