"Pedro Alvarez started Monday against right-hander Kyle Lohse, but Manager Clint Hurdle said the struggling third baseman will not be given a string of starts down the stretch to work on his new approach at the plate.

"I don't see that happening," Hurdle said. Hurdle said Alvarez (.192) hasn't earned the nod over rookie Josh Harrison (.266).

"I understand the importance of getting Pedro on track," Hurdle said. "Some other guys have earned playing time in his absence, and I just don't want to turn my back on them.

"Pedro's got these games -- as everybody else does -- and an opportunity, I believe, in winter ball and then next spring training.""