Alvarez will start at third base and bat seventh Sunday against the Tigers.
It's the second straight start at the keystone for Alvarez, who has been utilized primarily as a designated hitter this season. The 29-year-old's subpar defense could make him susceptible to getting replaced by Ryan Flaherty late in contests, but Alvarez's considerable pop may be enough for him to earn semi-frequent starts at third base while Manny Machado moves over to fill in at shortstop for J.J. Hardy (foot), who remains on the DL.