R. J. Alvarez Named To MLB.com’s All Prospect Team

Anytime you can get one of your prospects on a prospect all-star list it’s a good thing. When you acquire him near the trade deadline and have him come up in September to get a look at him and he’s pitching well, it’s even better.

MLB.com unveiled their all-prospect team yesterday and reliever R.J. Alvarez was the reliever picked for the squad. And with good reason too.

In AA this season, between the Angels and Padres organizations he had a 1.25 ERA, recorded seven saves, had a WHIP of .96 and struck out 61 in 43.1 innings.

So far in seven games at the big league level, he’s struck out eight in 7.2 innings with a 1.17 ERA.

Alvarez could combine with Kevin Quackenbush and Joaquin Benoit to form quite the triumvirate at the back end of the bullpen from the right side in 2015.  Even if they decide to trade Benoit for offensive help, the Padres still have enough depth from the right side in the bullpen to be okay. They could even dip their toe in the free agent market for another arm if needed.

Alvarez is just another reason the future is bright in San Diego. And another reason to keep watching and believe in 2015.