Pirates' Alvarez dealing with mild hyperextension in right elbow

Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez doesn't have to make the long throw across the diamond anymore - a good thing considering he's dealing with elbow soreness.

Alvarez missed the last few games with discomfort in his right elbow caused by a mild hyperextension he suffered on a swing a few days ago. The team believes he'll miss a couple more games. 

The 28-year-old appeared in 99 games at third base last season, but the Pirates are transitioning him to first base in an attempt to get both his and Josh Harrison's bat in the lineup. 

After leading the National League with 36 home runs in 2013, Alvarez slashed .231/.312/.405 with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs in 122 games last season.