Oakland A's recall R.J. Alvarez to take Tyler Clippard's spot in bullpen

The Oakland Athletics recalled right-handed relief pitcher R.J. Alvarez before Tuesday's road game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team announced this morning. Alvarez, 24, returns for the big league club for the first time since May 6. A spot in the bullpen was available as a result of the A's trading Tyler Clippard to the New York Mets.

Alvarez got off to an extremely rough start with the Athletics, conceding 13 earned runs in nine innings. After an initial poor performance upon his return to Triple-A on May 11, he has in his last 19 appearances struck out 30 and walked nine while allowing 16 hits in 20⅓ innings for a 2.21 ERA. Overall with Nashville, Alvarez has a 4.12 ERA in 21 appearances.

The right-hander was recently on the minor league disabled list with a right forearm strain, according to Athletics Farm's Bill Moriarity, which kept Alvarez out of action between June 20 and July 9. Alvarez has made five appearances since then.

Here's R.J. Alvarez in happier times, striking out Jake Smolinski when he was with the Texas Rangers in April: