Jose Alvarez allowed four runs in 5 2/3 innings in a loss to the Angels on Wednesday.

Alvarez had been better in his first two starts with the club, but the Angels got to him for seven hits -- including two home runs -- and a walk while striking out three. Anibal Sanchez will throw a bullpen session on Thursday and will still need at least one rehab start before returning, so Alvarez will get at least one more start with the Tigers. That start will likely come against the Blue Jays in Toronto on Monday.

Jose Alvarez pitched five innings of two-run ball Thursday in a no-decision against the Red Sox.

Alvarez has been excellent making a couple of spot starts in Anibal Sanchez's place. The Tigers might have saved themselves a lot of hassle if they just stuck with him last week and didn't try to rush Sanchez back.

Tigers recalled LHP Jose Alvarez from Triple-A Toledo.

Alvarez will start for the Tigers on Thursday versus the Red Sox. The left-hander looked sharp in a spot start earlier this month against the Indians but is not an attractive fantasy option outside of AL-only leagues.

Tigers optioned LHP Jose Alvarez to Triple-A Toledo.

Alvarez allowed one run over six innings and had seven strikeouts in his debut Sunday against the Indians. The Tigers will call up right-hander Evan Reed to replace him on the active roster.

Jose Alvarez tossed six innings of one-run ball in his major league debut Sunday, picking up the win in a 4-1 victory over the Indians.

Alvarez had a no-hitter going until Ryan Raburn took him deep with two outs in the fifth. He then pitched out of a two-out jam in the sixth before the Tigers took the lead for good in the bottom of the frame. Alvarez struck out seven on the day while allowing just three hits and one walk. Anibal Sanchez is expected to be ready for his next start, but the Tigers won't be worried about calling on Alvarez if need after this performance.

Tigers purchased the contract of LHP Jose Alvarez from Triple-A Toledo.

Alvarez will make his major league debut on Sunday in place of the injured Anibal Sanchez (shoulder). The left-hander isn't much of a prospect but has been terrific at Toledo this season, posting a 2.42 ERA and 76/15 K/BB ratio over 74 1/3 frames. Sanchez is expected to be OK for his next start, so Alvarez should be sent back down after his debut no matter how he fares.

The Tigers will call up LHP Jose Alvarez from Triple-A Toledo on Sunday.

With Anibal Sanchez on the disabled list, Alvarez will make his major league debut Sunday against the Indians. The 23-year-old has a 2.42 ERA over 11 starts at the Triple-A level.

Tigers signed LHP Jose Alvarez to a minor league contract.

Alvarez missed the entire 2012 season following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. The 23-year-old southpaw has a 3.62 ERA over seven seasons in the minors, averaging 7.1 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9.

Marlins' minor league left-hander Jose Alvarez will miss the entire 2012 season following labrum surgery on Tuesday.

The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews. Alvarez, who turns 23 in May, had a 4.02 ERA and 118/41 K/BB ratio over 147 2/3 innings between High-A Jupiter and Double-A Jacksonville last season.