Alvarez to rejoin Marlins rotation Sunday against Braves

MIAMI (AP) Miami Marlins opening day starter Henderson Alvarez will rejoin the rotation Sunday when he starts against the Atlanta Braves.

The right-hander has been sidelined since April 12 with right shoulder and elbow inflammation. Right-hander Tom Koehler, who had been scheduled to start Sunday, will move to the bullpen and be used in important situations, manager Mike Redmond said.

Alvarez is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts this season.

Right-hander Jarred Cosart, who left his most recent start with a cramp in his right thigh, said he felt fine throwing a bullpen session and running sprints Saturday. He's expected to make his next scheduled start Tuesday against Arizona.

Koehler, who is 2-3 with a 4.29 ERA, pitched three scoreless innings Saturday against the Braves in his first relief appearance since 2013. He conceded he was a little disappointed to be dropped from the rotation.

''It hits your pride a little bit,'' he said. ''But I understand it's what the team needs right now. I want to help this team win any way I can.''

Redmond is eager to improve a relief corps that ranks 24th in the majors with an ERA of 4.59.