Pedro Alvarez Injury: Updates on Pirates Star's Elbow and Return

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Pedro Alvarez has been diagnosed with a mild hyperextension of his right elbow. After being reevaluated he is expected to return to game action on Thursday.

Continue for updates.

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Alvarez To Return Thursday After Missing Time With Elbow Soreness

Wednesday, March 11

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle revealed Alvarez "should return to game action Thursday," per Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.   

On March 9, the Pirates announced via Twitter, "Pedro Alvarez has missed the last few games with discomfort in his right elbow caused by a mild hyperextension on a swing a few days ago." The team added that he "is expected to miss a few more games but will be able to partake in some workout activities as tolerated." 

Alvarez, 28, is expected to be the Pirates' Opening Day first baseman. He is making the full-time switch to first this season after primarily playing third base his first five seasons. The left-handed slugger hit .231/.312/.405 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI in 2014. It was the worst full campaign of his career, having hit a combined 66 homers in 2012 and 2013.

The Pirates will hope Alvarez's elbow injury doesn't derail his effort to regain his status among the NL's best power hitters.

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