The Philadelphia Phillies have been dealt a significant blow with the suspension of their star closer, José Alvarado, who has been handed an 80-game ban without pay after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a violation of Major League Baseball’s performance-enhancing drug policy . This suspension not only sidelines Alvarado for a substantial portion of the season but also renders him ineligible for postseason play, impacting the Phillies’ bullpen depth during a critical stretch of the campaign.
Alvarado, 29, has been a key figure in the Phillies’ bullpen, recording a 2.70 ERA with seven saves and 25 strikeouts over 20 innings pitched this season . His absence leaves a void in the late-inning relief corps, prompting the team to explore internal and external options to fill the gap. Relievers Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering have shown recent improvement, with Romano not allowing a run in his last eight appearances . Additionally, the Phillies have reportedly reached out to veteran free agent David Robertson, considering a potential reunion to bolster their bullpen depth.
The Phillies, currently holding a 29-18 record and leading the NL East, will need to navigate this challenging period without their top closer. Alvarado’s suspension serves as a reminder of MLB’s strict stance on performance-enhancing substances and the importance of compliance with league policies.
Alvarado is eligible to return to the Phillies’ roster on August 19, but his postseason ineligibility remains a significant concern for the team’s championship aspirations.
