Oakland A’s: Henderson Alvarez attempts comeback

Former Oakland A’s minor league pitcher Henderson Alvarez has not given up on his comeback attempt, as he has signed with the Milwaukee Milkmen of the independent American Association.

Henderson Alvarez was a lottery ticket for the Oakland A’s when he signed in 2016. The one time All Star had his career derailed by injuries, but the A’s were willing to give him a chance to make the rotation. With a one year, $4.25 million contract in hand, he pitched just 33 innings that season, all of which were in the minors.

Although injuries had effectively stalled his career, Henderson never gave up on his comeback. Saying that he has not felt this good in years, he has taken the next step – signing with the Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association.

This is a perfect chance for Alvarez to prove that he is healthy once again. He has not appeared in the majors since a three game stint with the Phillies in 2017, spending most of the last three years in the independent leagues and in Mexico.

More from White Cleat Beat

• Zach Logue yet another disappointing Oakland A’s trade return
• Luis Barrera heading to familiar foe in Los Angeles Angels
• Looking back at Ruben Sierra with the Oakland A’s
• San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
• Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen

There was a time when Alvarez was one of the better young pitchers in the game. He made his major league debut with the Marlins at 21 years old, and was named to the All Star Game in 2014. That season, he posted a 12-7 record with a 2.65 ERA and a 1.235 WHiP while leading the NL with three shutouts. Over his 187 innings, he struck out 111 batters with 33 walks.

However, after that season, everything fell apart. Alvarez has had just 37 innings in the majors since, posting a 0-5 record with a 5.59 ERA and a 1.622 WHiP. His strikeouts, which were never a strong suit, plummeted, while his command disappeared.

But that may be entirely in the past. Alvarez is still just 30 years old, and if he is correct, may finally be healthy once again. While a major league team was not willing to give him a look this season, if he proves to be healthy in the American Association, he could be worth a flier next year.

Henderson Alvarez did not work out for the Oakland A’s due to injury. Now, four years later, he may finally be healthy once more.