Alvarez (shoulder) threw from flat ground Monday without any issues, MLB.com's Jane Lee reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez began throwing a day earlier than initially expected, but the progress is minimal on what has been a rocky road to recovery. The hope is that this will eventually lead to a full side session, and that he can start another rehab assignment in short order. The best-case scenario for Alvarez might be a mid-June return to the rotation, but everything would have to fall right into place for that to be realistic.

Alvarez (shoulder) will begin playing catch Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the SF Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez was well on his way to a full recovery from shoulder surgery when he suffered a setback in a rehab start on May 16. While the young righty has not had the smoothest recovery from his shoulder injury, him playing catch Tuesday is obviously a step in the right direction.

The MRI on Alvarez's shoulder was inconclusive, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez played catch Wednesday after undergoing the test, and the throwing session reportedly "went OK." Manager Bob Melvin said the fact that nothing jumped out on the MRI "does give you some optimism," but the team will send Alvarez to see Dr. James Andrews to get a better understanding of what's going on. Alvarez appeared on the verge of a return to the majors before suffering the setback during a rehab appearance.

Alvarez was able to throw Wednesday after having an MRI to figure out the root of his recent shoulder pains, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

EDGE Analysis

The results of his MRI have yet to be revealed, but seeing him throw shows that Alvarez is headed in the right direction. Alvarez had a stellar 2014 season in which he had a 2.65 ERA, but only threw four games in 2015 before incurring his shoulder injury. He'd thrown 22.2 innings this season at Triple-A Nashville prior to this setback.

Alvarez (shoulder) will undergo an MRI after suffering a setback Monday, John Hickey of the Oakland Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez was already rehabbing from a torn right labrum but is now apparently dealing with right shoulder soreness. The specificity and severity of the 26-year-old's injury should be made clear following the results of his MRI.

Alvarez (shoulder) was pulled an inning early in his rehab start because of shoulder soreness, Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez, who received surgery last July to repair a torn right labrum, has experienced what A's manager Bob Melvin calls, "a setback". It's troubling news for the 26-year-old as he's been rehabbing his shoulder for over nine months now and was nearing a major league return until Sunday's complication. More news concerning the severity of his "setback" will be released in the coming days, but either way, he's likely headed for an even longer rehab stay.

Alvarez (shoulder) is on track to make a start during next weekend's four-game series with the Yankees, MLB.com's Jane Lee reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez is making his fourth rehab start at Triple-A Nashville, which may be the final tune-up he needs before getting activated from the DL. The 26-year-old missed just about the entire 2016 campaign after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder, but assuming he's able to regain some of his premium velocity, he could develop into a useful cog at the back end of the A's rotation. However, he's never been a big strikeout guy, as he tends to rely on inducing weak contact against opponents.

Alvarez (shoulder) may only need two more rehab starts before joining the A's rotation, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old built up to 77 pitches in his most recent rehab start with Triple-A Nashville on Friday, going 4.2 innings with one run allowed and three strikeouts. Barring any setbacks in his next two outings, Alvarez could be back as soon as May 20. Sean Manaea may be the most likely candidate to lose his spot upon Alvarez's activation, but he will have a couple more starts to make his case to stick.

Alvarez (shoulder) is expected to throw 60 pitches or four innings in a rehab start for High-A Stockton on Saturday, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez is set for a big step forward after throwing just 40 pitches in Monday's rehab outing for Triple-A Nashville. He's still at least a couple weeks away from joining the big club, but it does appear Alvarez is on track for a debut by the end of May. Previous reports suggested that he's expected to be ready in late May or early June.

Alvarez gave up one unearned run in two innings of work in a rehab start with Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez threw 40 pitches in what is another positive sign in the progression of his rehab from a UCL tear he suffered last May. The 26-year-old will likely make several more minor league starts with increasing workloads before a possible return to the majors sometime next month.