Dariel Álvarez may undergo surgery on elbow

Dariel Álvarez, who was in the process of converting from outfielder to pitcher, underwent an MRI on his right elbow and may be headed to surgery, according to sources.

Álvarez had the MRI today in Sarasota after visiting Dr. Brian Schofield. He was back at extended spring training, having been shut down due to lingering soreness that cropped up about 10 days ago.

The expectation is that Álvarez will undergo ligament-reconstructive surgery, at least temporarily halting the transition to pitcher. The club hasn't offered confirmation.

Álvarez agreed last month to abandon full-time duty in the outfield, though he was slated to serve as designated hitter in games that he didn't pitch. The Orioles assigned him to low Single-A Delmarva, wanting him to work out of the bullpen and envisioning him pitching in the majors as early as 2018.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette didn't mention surgery today, but confirmed that Álvarez was shut down and underwent an examination.

"He had some soreness and they asked him to rest and then the soreness persisted," Duquette said. "We'll have to see what the doctor says."

Álvarez, 28, had been on a throwing progression that included a couple of bullpen sessions. He hadn't pitched in any games.

"He's been on a very conservative throwing program," Duquette said.

Álvarez, who pitched for parts of three seasons in Cuba, no longer was projected as an outfield prospect in the organization.

Álvarez made 22 relief appearances over three seasons in Cuba in 2006, 2007 and 2009. He was 1-4 with a 3.62 ERA in 32 1/3 innings, allowing only one home run, walking 12 and striking out 18.

The Orioles gave Álvarez an $800,000 bonus in July 2013. He's 8-for-32 with a home run in 14 major league games and went 0-for-11 this spring.

Alvarez will be placed on the 60-day disabled list.