Phillies Address Jose Alvarado's PED Suspension

The Philadelphia Phillies looked to finish a tough week on a positive note with a potential sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. That positive note went down the drain when one of their top pitchers was facing a stiff suspension personally handed down by the league. 

On Sunday, one of the Phillies’ top closing pitchers, Jose Alvarado, was suspended by the league without pay for testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a performance-enhancing drug.  

Alvarado has been given an 80-day suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s drug policy. He will return to the active roster late in the regular season.  

The Phillies are more impacted by the suspension, as not only do they lose a reliable closing pitcher, but their postseason run is in danger. With Alvardo being suspended for violating the league’s drug policy, he will be unable to play in the postseason.  

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jose Alvarado (46) reacts after retiring the side against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Truist Park.

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

This drastically hurts a team with championship goals and a talented and deep roster. 

Shortly after Alvarado’s suspension, the Phillies released a statement on the news from MLB. 

“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.” 

In 20 games played and 20 inning appearances, Alvarado has delivered 25 strikeouts and accounted for an ERA of 2.70. He has allowed 20 hits, six runs (only one home run), and four walks. 

His ERA is the third-best on the Phillies, only behind starting pitchers Zack Wheeler and Jesus Luzardo.  

The Phillies will need to find a closing pitcher capable of providing nearly the same amount of efficiency on the mound to ensure they don’t lose games late.