MOOSIC, Pa. -- Pedro Alvarez is eager to make his major league debut at the hot corner for the Pirates.

He is just not sure when it will happen.

There was speculation that Alvarez, a first-round draft pick in 2008, might be called up from Class AAA Indianapolis Sunday night after the 3-1 loss to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at PNC Field, but that did not happen.

"Haven't heard anything," Alvarez said after going 0 for 4 from the cleanup spot, lowering his average to .285. "There's nothing definite. I can't worry about it. I think they will call me up to the majors when they think I'm ready. I feel confident in my ability to play at the next level. I'm just hoping to get the opportunity."

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington did not dismiss the idea that Alvarez could make his debut this week at PNC Park, where the team will begin a six-game homestand Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox.

"No, I won't rule it out," Huntington said Sunday on his weekly radio show. "Our [initial] feel was closer to the end of the month, but Pedro has responded well to the challenge of these other two guys going up," a reference to the Jose Tabata-Brad Lincoln callups last week that prompted an Alvarez homer-triple-double performance. "It's something we've got to talk about more internally. Sometimes, players can push those timetables forward because of adjustments they make."

Alvarez ranks second in the International League in extra base hits (32), is tied for second in RBIs (52), is fourth in home runs (13) and fifth in hits (65).

At 6 feet 3, 235 pounds, he is widely regarded as the Pirates' best power prospect since Barry Bonds.

Indianapolis outfielder Brandon Moss, who started 95 games for the Pirates last season, believes Alvarez should be in the majors.

"Yeah, absolutely, Pedro's ready for Pittsburgh," Moss said. "But that's not his decision, it's not our decision. It's up to management. Obviously, they think there are some things he needs to improve on. I think he'll be there sooner rather than later. His time is going to come and, when it does, he's going to do well."

In 2009, Alvarez's first year of professional ball, he hit .288 with 27 home runs and 95 RBIs in 126 games split between high Class A Lynchburg and Class AA Altoona.

"What I've learned so far is that baseball is a game of adjustments," Alvarez said. "Obviously, I knew that, but at this level, it's more pitch-to-pitch as opposed to at-bat to at-bat."

The stressing point of management on the left-hand hitting Alvarez this past spring was that he needed to show he could hit left-handed pitchers. Now, he is batting .323 with 3 home runs and 14 RBIs against lefties and .272 with 10 homers and 38 RBIs against righties.

"He continues to make progress," Huntington said. "Statistically, he's actually hitting left-handers better than right-handers, which is a great stride for him."

Moss has been impressed with Alvarez's work ethic.

"He's doing fantastic," Moss said. "I like the fact that he hasn't let all this talk get to him. It's easy when you're a young player, and people talk good about you and say good things about you, to believe it all and get caught up in it. Pedro doesn't do that. He works hard and plays hard and does a very good job."

Huntington has said all along that Alvarez will be the starting third baseman once he is called up, and he added this week that Andy LaRoche, who currently holds the position, would move into a utility role. Alvarez has committed 11 errors in 60 games.

Alvarez promised to play hard for the Pirates' fans.

"I'm always going to give it my all," he said. "I'm very dedicated to this game. I love having fun playing out there on the field. Obviously, I want the opportunity to showcase myself at third base."

Colin Dunlap's blog on the Pirates is featured exclusively on PG+, a members-only web site from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.