Andrew Alvarez allowed one run in four innings and got a no-decision in the Nationals’ 7-3 victory over the Royals on Monday.

Alvarez gave up five hits, walked one and struck out five. The 27-year-old left-hander moved into the starting rotation at the beginning of the month and is yet to complete five innings in any of his three starts. Alvarez had only thrown 58 pitches when the Nationals went to the bullpen for the fifth inning, rather than let him face the Royals’ batting order a third time. Alvarez has solid numbers with a 3.07 xFIP and 31 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings this year, but that kind of conservative usage we saw on Monday is a serious detriment to his fantasy value. He’ll face the Rays on the road this weekend.