Jose Alvarado faces 80-game suspension for positive PED test
- Jose Alvarado received an 80-game suspension from MLB after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
- He has been a key player for the Philadelphia Phillies, contributing to their World Series aspirations.
- The team now has to adjust its pitching strategy without him while expressing support for the league's policies.
In the United States, the Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen faced a significant setback recently when Major League Baseball announced that closer Jose Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games. The suspension resulted from Alvarado testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a violation of MLB's drug policy. The team expressed disappointment over the situation but stated its commitment to the league's Joint Prevention and Treatment Program. This news comes as a blow to the Phillies, who have had high hopes for the season and intended to compete for the World Series title. Alvarado, a left-handed pitcher who joined the Phillies after a successful tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, became one of the top relievers in the league. Over the course of his time with the team, he improved his ERA from 4.20 in 2021 to a remarkable 1.74 in 2023. In the 2024 season, he recorded a 4.09 ERA in 66 appearances and performed well once again in the current season, boasting a 2.70 ERA with seven saves and 25 strikeouts in just 20 games played. His effectiveness on the mound has been a crucial part of the Phillies’ success. Following the announcement of Alvarado’s suspension on May 19, 2025, the Phillies must now find ways to compensate for his absence in the closer role. Among the pitchers who will be leaned upon are Jordan Romano, Matt Strahm, and Orion Kerkering. Manager Rob Thomson has reassured the team that although they lost a valuable asset, they have capable arms in the bullpen who are capable of stepping up. Thomson emphasized the importance of not trying to do too much in the face of adversity, encouraging his players to focus on throwing strikes and maintaining their usual performance levels. Looking forward, Alvarado is eligible to return on August 19, 2025, against the Seattle Mariners. However, his absence would mean he cannot participate in any postseason games if the Phillies qualify. The suspension will cost him approximately $4.5 million, which constitutes half of his $9 million salary for the current year, part of a larger three-year contract worth $22 million. The implications of this suspension extend beyond just financial loss, as it represents a significant obstacle in the team's journey toward playoff aspirations this season.