Philadelphia Phillies reliever José Alvarado has been suspended 80 games without pay after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance, Major League Baseball announced Sunday.
The penalty—standard for a first-time offense—takes immediate effect, benching the club’s top closer through mid-August and ruling him out for the postseason.
The Phillies, currently trailing the Mets by just 1.5 games in the National League East with a 27-18 record, now face a bullpen crisis. Alvarado, 30, had anchored the late innings with a 2.70 ERA, seven saves, and 25 strikeouts over 20 frames this season—his fifth with the team.
“The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and are disappointed to hear today’s news of Jose’s violation,” the organization said in a brief statement.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With October ambitions brewing and the bullpen already buckling—ranking fourth-worst in the NL with a 4.66 ERA and eight blown saves—Alvarado’s absence leaves a glaring void.
Philadelphia’s brass now faces a trade deadline puzzle. Internal options like Matt Strahm or Tanner Banks may get the first look, though recent results inspire little confidence.
Jordan Romano, who struggled early in the closer role with a bloated 7.71 ERA, may also resurface in the mix.
Alvarado, acquired in a 2021 three-team trade with Tampa Bay, is in the final year of a $22 million contract. The Phillies hold a $9 million club option for 2026—but this suspension might complicate the math.
In nine MLB seasons, the hard-throwing southpaw has posted a 3.40 ERA and averaged an electric 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings. Now, he’ll miss the next half of the season—and perhaps the chance to pitch in a Phillies uniform ever again.
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