Henderson Javier Álvarez (born April 18, 1990) is a

Venezuelan Venezuelans (Spanish language, Spanish: ''venezolanos'') are the Citizenship, citizens identified with the country of Venezuela. This connection may be through citizenship, descent or cultural. For most Venezuelans, many or all of these connect ...

professional

baseball Baseball is a bat-and-ball games, bat-and-ball sport played between two team sport, teams of nine players each, taking turns batting (baseball), batting and Fielding (baseball), fielding. The game occurs over the course of several Pitch ...

pitcher In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throws ("Pitch (baseball), pitches") the Baseball (ball), baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of out (baseball), retiring a batter (baseball), batter, ...

who is a free agent. He has previously played in

Major League Baseball Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...

(MLB) for the

Toronto Blue Jays The Toronto Blue Jays are a Canadian professional baseball team based in Toronto. The Blue Jays compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League East, East Division. Since 1989, the team has p ...

from 2011 through 2012, the

Miami Marlins The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball team based in Miami. The Marlins compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League East, East Division. The ...

from 2013 through 2015, and the

Philadelphia Phillies The Philadelphia Phillies are an American professional baseball team based in Philadelphia. The Phillies compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. Since 2004, the team's home stadium has ...

in 2017. Álvarez debuted in MLB with the Blue Jays in 2011, and was traded to the Marlins after the 2012 season. He threw a

no-hitter In baseball, a no-hitter or no-hit game is a game in which a team does not record a hit (baseball), hit through conventional methods. Major League Baseball (MLB) officially defines a no-hitter as a completed game in which a team that batted in ...

for the Marlins on the last day of the 2013 season, and was named an MLB All-Star during the 2014 season. He did not pitch in MLB during the 2016 season due to a shoulder injury.

Early life

Henderson Javier Álvarez was born on April 18, 1990, in

Valencia, Carabobo Valencia () is the capital city of Carabobo State and the third-largest city in Venezuela. The city is an economic hub that contains Venezuela's top industries and manufacturing companies. It is also the largest city in the Valencia-Maracay ...

Venezuela Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many Federal Dependencies of Venezuela, islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea. It com ...

Professional career

Minor leagues

Álvarez signed with the

as an international free agent, and made his professional baseball debut in 2007 with the Dominican Summer Blue Jays of the

Rookie-level Minor League Baseball (MiLB) is a professional baseball organization below Major League Baseball (MLB), constituted of teams affiliated with MLB clubs. It was founded on September 5, 1901, in response to the growing dominance of the National L ...

Dominican Summer League The Dominican Summer League (DSL) is a branch of affiliated Minor League Baseball which is played in the Dominican Republic. The league was founded in 1985. After the demise of the Venezuelan Summer League after the 2015 season, it is the only ...

, pitching to a 1–2 win–loss record with a 5.61

earned run average In baseball statistics, earned run average (ERA) is the average of earned runs allowed by a pitcher per nine innings pitched (i.e. the traditional length of a game). It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number ...

(ERA). Álvarez subsequently moved to the United States, where he pitched for the Gulf Coast Blue Jays of the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, going 1–4 with a 5.63 ERA and a strikeout to walk ratio of 5.67. He was promoted to the

Lansing Lugnuts The Lansing Lugnuts are a Minor League Baseball team of the Midwest League and the High-A affiliate of the Athletics (baseball), Athletics. They are located in Lansing, Michigan, and play their home games at Jackson Field (Lansing), Jackson Fie ...

of the Single–A

Midwest League The Midwest League is a Minor League Baseball league established in 1947 and based in the Midwestern United States. A Class A league for most of its history, the league was promoted to High-A as part of Major League Baseball's 2021 reorganizat ...

for the 2009 season, where he was an All-Star with a 9–6 win–loss record and a 3.47 ERA. He played 2010 with the Dunedin Blue Jays of the High–A

Florida State League The Florida State League (FSL) is a Minor League Baseball league based in the state of Florida. Having been classified at various levels throughout its existence, it operated at Class A-Advanced from 1990 until its demotion to Single-A following ...

. He was named an All-Star and was selected to appear in the

All-Star Futures Game The All-Star Futures Game is an annual baseball exhibition game hosted by Major League Baseball (MLB) in conjunction with the mid-summer MLB All-Star Game. A team of American League-affiliated prospects competes against a team of National League- ...

, finishing the season with an 8–7 record with a 4.33 ERA. He started the 2011 season with Dunedin, but was promoted after two starts to the

New Hampshire Fisher Cats The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are a Minor League Baseball team based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The team, which plays in the Eastern League (1938–present), Eastern League, is the Double-A (baseball), Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Ja ...

of the Double–A Eastern League. He was again named an All-Star and made his second appearance in the Futures Game, finishing the year with an 8–4 record and a 2.86 ERA.

Toronto Blue Jays (2011–2012)

On August 9, 2011, the Blue Jays promoted Álvarez to the major leagues. He took the rotation spot of Carlos Villanueva, and made his major league debut on August 10 against the

Oakland Athletics The Oakland Athletics (frequently referred to as the Oakland A's) were an American Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Oakland, California from 1968 to 2024. The Athletics were a member club of the American League (AL) American League We ...

pitching 5 innings and giving up 3 earned runs on 8 hits, with 4 strikeouts and 1 walk. On August 31, Álvarez recorded his first major league win in a 13–0 victory over the

Baltimore Orioles The Baltimore Orioles (also known as the O's) are an American professional baseball team based in Baltimore. The Orioles compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) East Division. As one of the America ...

. He pitched eight full innings, giving up three hits, no walks and recording five strikeouts. At 21 years and 135 days, Álvarez becomes the youngest Blue Jays' pitcher to record a win since Kelvim Escobar in 1997, and the youngest starting pitcher to record the win for the Jays since Phil Huffman in 1979. He made 10 starts for the Blue Jays, going 1–3 in innings. He issued eight walks while striking out 40. On May 4, 2012, Álvarez threw his first career complete game and

shutout In team sports, a shutout (North American English, US) or clean sheet (Commonwealth English, UK) is a game in which the losing team fails to score. While possible in most major sports, they are highly improbable in some sports, such as basketba ...

, defeating the

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West Division. Since 1966, the team has pl ...

4–0. With teammate Brandon Morrow throwing a shutout the previous night, they became the first Blue Jays to throw back-to-back shutouts since Jack Morris and Al Leiter on June 16 and 17, 1993. Álvarez finished the 2012 season with a 9–14 record and a 4.85 ERA in 31 starts. He struck out 79 batters in innings pitched, which resulted in the lowest strikeout rates in the Majors (3.80 K/9) in 2012.

Miami Marlins (2013–2015)

On November 19, 2012, the Blue Jays traded Álvarez to the

along with Adeiny Hechavarria, Jeff Mathis, Yunel Escobar, Jake Marisnick, Anthony DeSclafani, and Justin Nicolino in exchange for Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson, José Reyes, John Buck, and Emilio Bonifacio. Alvarez spent most of the first half of the 2013 regular season on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. He was activated from the 60-day disabled list on July 4, and made his first start as a Marlin that night against the

Atlanta Braves The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Braves compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Eas ...

. Álvarez received a no-decision in his Marlins debut, pitching five innings and giving up three earned runs in a 4–3 win. Álvarez earned his first win as a Marlin on July 26, against the

Pittsburgh Pirates The Pittsburgh Pirates are an American professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh. The Pirates compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central ...

. On September 29, 2013, the final game of the Marlins 2013 season, Álvarez threw the 282nd

in MLB history, in a game against the

Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers are an American professional baseball team based in Detroit. The Tigers compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) American League Central, Central Division. One of the AL's eight chart ...

. He allowed three base runners on an error, a walk, and a hit batter as the Marlins walked off in the bottom of the ninth inning on a wild pitch, 1–0. He became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the final game of the regular season since Mike Witt in 1984, when he did so for the

California Angels The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West Division. Since 1966, the team has pl ...

. Álvarez finished the 2013 season with a 5–6 record in 17 starts. Through 17 starts, Álvarez pitched 102 innings while allowing just two home runs. The previous season he had allowed 29 home runs. Álvarez opened the 2014 season with two complete game shutouts in his first seven starts. He was named an

All-Star An all-star team is a group of people all having a high level of performance in their field. Originating in sports, it has since drifted into vernacular and has been borrowed heavily by the entertainment industry. Sports "All-star" as a sport ...

. After earning an 8–5 record with a 2.48 ERA and a league-leading three shutouts, Álvarez went on the disabled list on August 1 with shoulder inflammation. before being activated on August 16. He finished the 2014 season with a 12–7 record, the most wins for a Marlins pitcher, and a 2.65 ERA with 111 strikeouts. The Marlins named Álvarez their

Opening Day Opening Day is the day on which professional baseball leagues begin their regular season. For Major League Baseball (MLB) and most of the American minor leagues, this day typically falls during the first week of April, although in recent year ...

starting pitcher in 2015. In April 2015, Álvarez went on the disabled list when an MRI revealed inflammation in his shoulder and elbow. After going 0–4 with an ERA over 6.00, he was declared out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery on July 28. On December 2, the Marlins opted not to tender Álvarez a contract, making him a free agent.

Oakland Athletics

On December 28, 2015, Álvarez signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the

, with an additional $1.6 million available in incentives. While rehabilitating in the minor leagues, he left a game in July due to shoulder discomfort. After only pitching in 33 innings in the minors, Álvarez underwent shoulder surgery in September. The Athletics outrighted Álvarez to the

Nashville Sounds The Nashville Sounds are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. They are located in Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville, Tennessee, and are named for the ci ...

of the Triple–A

Pacific Coast League The Pacific Coast League (PCL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the Western United States. Along with the International League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A level, which is one grade bel ...

on October 7, 2016, and he then elected for free agency.

Long Island Ducks

On July 14, 2017, Álvarez signed with the Long Island Ducks of the

Atlantic League of Professional Baseball The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) is a professional independent baseball league in the United States. It is an official MLB Partner League based in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States, and the headquarters are l ...

, an

independent baseball league An independent baseball league is a professional baseball league in the United States or Canada that is not overseen by Major League Baseball or its affiliated Minor League Baseball system (historically referred to as organized baseball). Inde ...

. In 7 starts for the Ducks, he posted a 2-1 record and 3.09 ERA and 13 strikeouts over 32 innings of work.

Philadelphia Phillies (2017)

On August 22, 2017, Álvarez signed a minor league contract with the

. He made three starts for

Lehigh Valley IronPigs The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League (IL) and the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. They are located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and they are named in reference to pig iron, used ...

of the Triple–A

International League The International League (IL) is a Minor League Baseball league that operates in the United States. Along with the Pacific Coast League, it is one of two leagues playing at the Triple-A (baseball), Triple-A level, which is one grade below Major ...

, and the Phillies promoted him to the major leagues on September 11. In 3 starts for the Phillies, he posted a 4.30 ERA with 6 strikeouts across innings of work. On October 4, Álvarez was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to Lehigh, but he rejected the assignment and elected free agency.

Tigres de Quintana Roo

On March 14, 2018, Álvarez signed with the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the

Mexican League The Mexican Baseball League (, or LMB, ) is a professional baseball league in Mexico. It is the oldest running professional sports league in the country. The league has 20 teams organized in two divisions, North and South. Teams play 114 games ...

. In 9 starts for the Tigres, he posted a 3–4 record and 4.60 ERA with 31 strikeouts across innings pitched.

Washington Nationals

On November 16, 2018, Álvarez signed a minor league contract with the

Washington Nationals The Washington Nationals are an American professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) East Division. They play their home games at Na ...

. In 24 games (4 starts) for the Triple-A

Fresno Grizzlies The Fresno Grizzlies are a Minor League Baseball team of the California League and the Single-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. They are located in Fresno, California, and play their home games at Chukchansi Park, which was opened in 2002 in ...

, he compiled a 1–4 record and 5.94 ERA with 37 strikeouts across 53 innings of work. Álvarez was released by the Nationals organization on July 1, 2019.

Tigres de Quintana Roo (second stint)

On July 20, 2019, Álvarez signed with the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the

. In 6 starts for Quintana Roo, he compiled a 4–2 record and 3.12 ERA with 23 strikeouts over innings pitched.

Milwaukee Milkmen

On August 5, 2020, Álvarez signed with the Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association. On August 9, Álvarez signed a minor league contract with the

organization. However, the deal fell apart on August 16. He made 5 starts for the team, recording a 2.90 ERA and 2–1 record with 22 strikeouts in 31.0 innings pitched. Álvarez won the American Association championship with the Milkmen in 2020.

Tigres de Quintana Roo (third stint)

On September 18, 2020, after the American Association season, Álvarez was returned to the Tigres de Quintana Roo. On May 3, 2021, Álvarez was released by the Tigres.

Leones de Yucatán

On December 28, 2021, Álvarez signed with the Leones de Yucatán of the

for the 2022 season. In 2022, he made 17 starts, registering a 7–4 record and 4.43 ERA with 43 strikeouts in innings pitched. Álvarez won the Mexican League Championship with the Leones in 2022. In 2023, Álvarez made 15 starts for Quintana Roo and went 6–4 with a 3.68 ERA and 38 strikeouts in innings.

Saraperos de Saltillo

On November 28, 2023, Álvarez was traded to the Saraperos de Saltillo of the

. In 4 starts for Saltillo in 2024, Álvarez struggled to a 7.90 ERA with 5 strikeouts across innings. He was released by the Saraperos on May 27.

Guerreros de Oaxaca

On July 22, 2024, Álvarez signed with the

Guerreros de Oaxaca The Guerreros de Oaxaca (English: Oaxaca Warriors) are a professional baseball team in the Mexican League based in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico. Their home field is Estadio Eduardo Vasconcelos. History In October 1995, a group of businessmen, ...

of the

. In 2 starts for the team, he posted a 1–0 record and 1.13 ERA with 1 strikeouts across 8 innings pitched. Álvarez was released by Oaxaca on November 19.

Pitching style

Álvarez is a sinkerballer with a 92–95 mph sinker, a 93–96 mph

four-seam fastball A four-seam fastball, also called a rising fastball, a four-seamer, or a cross-seam fastball, is a pitch (baseball), pitch in baseball. It is a member of the fastball family of pitches and is usually the fastest ball thrown by a pitcher. It is s ...

, an 84–87 mph slider, and an 85–89 mph changeup. He also throws an occasional cutter (87–90). The slider is mostly to right-handed hitters and the changeup mostly against lefties. His pitches all have below-average whiff rates, and his strikeouts per 9 innings rate is only 4.1 . However, his sinker has a ground ball/fly ball ratio of about 4:1.

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Alvarez, Henderson 1990 births Living people Arizona League Athletics players Baseball players from Valencia, Venezuela Dominican Summer League Blue Jays players Dunedin Blue Jays players Fresno Grizzlies players Guerreros de Oaxaca players Gulf Coast Blue Jays players Jacksonville Suns players Jupiter Hammerheads players Lansing Lugnuts players Lehigh Valley IronPigs players Leones de Yucatán players Long Island Ducks players Major League Baseball pitchers Major League Baseball players from Venezuela 21st-century Venezuelan sportsmen Mexican League baseball pitchers Miami Marlins players Milwaukee Milkmen players Nashville Sounds players National League All-Stars Navegantes del Magallanes players New Hampshire Fisher Cats players Philadelphia Phillies players Saraperos de Saltillo players Stockton Ports players Tiburones de La Guaira players Tigres de Quintana Roo players Toronto Blue Jays players Venezuelan expatriate baseball players in Canada Venezuelan expatriate baseball players in Mexico Venezuelan expatriate baseball players in the Dominican Republic Venezuelan expatriate baseball players in the United States World Baseball Classic players of Venezuela 2013 World Baseball Classic players