The Athletics optioned Alvarez to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old received his first big-league call-up June 22 and went on to appear in seven games with the Athletics prior to the All-Star break, batting .261 with a stolen base, six runs and one RBI. The utility player will get the chance to see more consistent playing time as he heads back to Las Vegas. The Athletics will announce a replacement for Alvarez on the 26-man active roster shortly before their next game Friday versus the Angels.