Pairing Alfaro with either Knapp or Rupp would not be the worst thing next year. Alfaro may scuffle a bit, but he will also hit some home runs and the extra time in the minors will help him handle the pitching staff. While it is always nice to have a clear starter, I could also see the team mixing and matching on a 50-50 basis to ease Alfaro in. Maybe pair him with a pitcher or two that he is familiar with from the minors.
Alfaro probably will get some time in winter ball too this offseason. I am not too worried about him on the major league roster next season.