Alvarez’s recent game

Alvarez pitched a scoreless fourth inning before allowing two solo homers in the fifth to make his line look rough: five runs on seven hits in the Nationals’ 7-6 win over the New York Mets.

Alvarez’s second half stats

Entering Friday, Alvarez had a 2.44 ERA in the second half, showing steady progress after a rocky start.

Manager Butera’s confidence

Manager Blake Butera said, 'We feel really good about Alvy. When we think about the options that we’ll have competing for the starting rotation next year ... I mean, where he was at this point last year to where he is now, I think is night and day.'

“We feel really good about Alvy. When we think about the options that we’ll have competing for the starting rotation next year ... I mean, where he was at this point last year to where he is now, I think is night and day.”

Alvarez’s mindset

Alvarez said, 'At the end of the day, I don’t think I’ve earned or deserved anything. So just approaching this offseason, just really trying to get better and put myself in a good position for next year.'

“At the end of the day, I don’t think I’ve earned or deserved anything. So just approaching this offseason, just really trying to get better and put myself in a good position for next year.”

Alvarez’s comeback

After posting a 5.14 ERA in July, Alvarez was sent to Triple-A Rochester but returned to show improved performance.

2027 rotation outlook

Alvarez’s strides this season seem real, positioning him for a 2027 rotation spot after a rocky start.