Henderson Alvarez's hope of pitching for the A's this season appears over.
While speaking with the media prior to Tuesday's game, manager Bob Melvin said Alvarez's season is likely over and that the 26-year-old is headed to see Dr. James Andrews.
"Henderson's having a tough time again with his shoulder. So I think he's going to end up going home in a couple of days. I don't think he will pitch this year. As a matter of fact, he won't probably pitch this year. He's going to go see Dr. Andrews again. Unfortunately, he's hit another hurdle and I really feel bad for him," Melvin told reporters at the Coliseum. "This is a guy that's worked so hard to get back with us and been right on the cusp a couple different times and had to go back and go through the rehab process which is very difficult to do. My heart goes out for him."
Melvin didn't rule out a second shoulder surgery for Alvarez.
"Hopefully we get this thing settled. Whether it's another surgery, we're not sure. But this is an issue that's been with him all year. Very unfortunate. He's a great kid, loves to pitch, always has a smile on his face, so it's really unfortunate this is the position he's in right now," Melvin said.
Alvarez has been with Single-A Stockton for the last few weeks and pitched two innings on Saturday. Melvin was asked if Alvarez felt anything in that outing.
"I think after the first setback, maybe he was never really, really right. Some of the reports were that he was guarding it during his rehab outings. Looking at the MRIs, he's had plenty of MRIs and no one really sees anything structurally that just looking at the MRI would need surgery and maybe it's some sort of a 'go in there and find out once you get in there.' I'm not certain. Dr. Andrews will make that decision when he goes to see him," Melvin said.
Alvarez made 11 minor league appearances between Triple-A Nashville, Stockton and the A's rookie ball Arizona League team. In 33 innings, he posted a 4.09 ERA and 25 strikeouts.
Alvarez was attempting to return from shoulder surgery that took place last July. He signed a one-year deal with the A's in December worth $4.25 million.
The former Marlins starter had hoped to pitch for the A's before the end of the 2016 season.
“To pitch in a game is most important, whether it’s in the bullpen, relief, or as a starter,” Alvarez said through team interpreter Alex Arpiza on August 23. “It’d be a way to get off the DL and close out the season right.”
