That's when manager Mike Scioscia's posted lineup in the Angels' clubhouse became public knowledge, with certain portions of the public, at least, ecstatic about the possibilities of Mike Trout leading off and Ohtani batting second.
Alvarez entered the game having given up three runs in 21 appearances and then gave up three runs while getting only one out as the Angels lost to the Houston Astros 5-3.
"Just a bad game," Alvarez said. "I'll take the loss. We'll take the loss. I feel bad about it. But tomorrow's another day."
Against the Astros, he failed to protect a 3-1 lead against a lineup known to be tough to solve.