Coming off career year, Henderson Alvarez focused on working hard
JUPITER, Fla. -- Miami Marlins right-hander Henderson Alvarez toed the rubber, leaned forward then back before throwing a first-pitch strike to mark his spring training debut.
Alvarez tossed two scoreless innings in the Marlins' 8-7 win over the Mets on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Roger Dean Stadium.
"It's been a long time since I've done it, but it felt normal," Alvarez said through a translator. "It's customary."
That trademark opener has since influenced a bobble head. Manager Mike Redmond admitted his son mimicked the windup over the winter. It's part of the righty's quirky charm.
On Saturday, leadoff batter Juan Lagares struck out looking on an 86 mph pitch before Alvarez induced a pair of groundouts to second. He worked around a one-out single by Eric Campbell with consecutive flyouts to center in the second. Alvarez needed just 22 pitches (16 strikes).
"He looked good," Redmond said. "He threw a lot of strikes. First time out just try to get him comfortable on the mound. He looked comfortable and threw a lot strikes, so he did exactly what we needed him to do. It was a good day for him."
In 2014, that approach proved to be All-Star worthy. Alvarez, who turns 25 next month, went 12-7 with a 2.65 ERA in 30 starts.
When the Marlins lost ace Jose Fernandez for the season, the club won 10 straight starts by Alvarez from May 16-July 6. During that stretch, he snapped losing skids six times. According to FanGraphs, his Win Probability Added (WPA) of 2.65 was above average and just 0.35 from great.
Not only did it boost Alvarez's standing in the rotation, particularly with Nathan Eovaldi's struggles, but also among the top starters in the National League. His ERA ranked sixth. His three shutouts were tied for first in the majors. He became dependable and irreplaceable.
"I just focus pretty much on what I did and didn't change my routine," Alvarez said of his offseason. "Just went out and tried to be a better pitcher and focus on winning and helping the team win until Jose gets back."
With an above-average changeup, slider and a wacky eephus pitch to complement his mid-90s fastball, Alvarez often made hitters look silly at the plate.
"He's a guy that -- talking to other teams -- and no one likes facing him," catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia said. "He's definitely a tough pitcher to face. He's got great stuff, good offspeed stuff to mix with."
And yet Alvarez's biggest takeaway from a breakout season is simple enough: getting a good pitch count and keeping the ball low. He and pitching coach Chuck Hernandez worked on that every bullpen session, a routine in between starts he once took for granted and considered a waste of time.
Though Alvarez has started consecutive season finales -- both of which ended in no-hitters -- Opening Day is often an honor bestowed upon a staff's ace. Should Alvarez receive that recognition, it would show the difference a year can make. He started 2014 as the No. 3 starter. In 2013, he began on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.
"It would be a thrill for me if I get it," Alvarez said. "If I don't get it I'm still going to go and compete and keep working to help the team win."
Despite his recent accolades and success, Alvarez doesn't consider himself an ace. He may think that, but he sure resembled one when the Marlins needed it most with Fernandez out and the club in the 2014 postseason hunt.
"Just like any other pitcher," Alvarez said. "Just work hard."
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
