Phillies Reliever Jose Alvarado Suspended 80 Games Due to PED
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The latest news for the Phillies is an unfortunate announcement that Jose Alvarado, who had been a top reliever for the Philadelphia Phillies for the last few seasons, has been suspended for 80 games after he failed his test for performance-enhancing drugs.
On top of the 80 games, Alvarado will not be eligible for postseason baseball, should the Phillies get in the postseason, which is a massive factor in his suspension.
The suspension is effective immediately.
Alvarado’s 2025 MLB Season
With ups and downs in the Phillies bullpen this year, one man who the Phillies have counted on time after time has been Jose Alvarado. Alvarado, in 2025, has a 2.70 ERA and has collected seven saves, which is 18th in all of Major League Baseball.
Alvarado had been an elite closer for this ball club and would have greatly been counted on during the late stages of the regular season into the postseason before his suspension was announced.
Though he had shown some inconsistency during high-leverage appearances, he was always a lefty arm that manager Rob Thompson could rely on. His absence will be impactful and known quickly.
Time to Step Up
With the suspension, the Phillies have to make moves and decisions that will carry on throughout the season and into the postseason.
The first move will be the closer role, which is an extremely important part of this team. Jordan Romano, who was an All-Star closer for the Toronto Blue Jays, will more than likely be the first choice for the closer spot.
Romano, though he had a rough start, has four saves in a Phillies uniform this season, which comes second behind the suspended Alvarado.
Many hope that Romano will be able to hold his position as the closer with his recent success and dominant performances.
Another reliever who may find himself in these save situations is another lefty star in Matt Strahm.
Though only two saves and a 3.06 ERA, Matt Strahm has been able to show his All-Star skills this year for a large portion of the season.
Front Office Possibilities
With a man down in the bullpen, the Phillies front office may be looking around the league to trade with the intent to fill Alvarado’s position and style.
There is also the possibility that the Phillies bring up any Minor League left handed pitcher who looks ready to fill the spot.
Either way, this is by no means not an easy position to fill overnight, and will take time and energy to find the right fit for this role.
This is not the news that Philadelphia wanted to hear this morning, as Alvarado was a huge piece of this team. Hard work will have to be done to fix this situation.
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