Phillies Fans Panic as Jose Alvarado Faces 80-Game Suspension

The Philadelphia Phillies were dealt a huge blow after relief pitcher Jose Alvarado was banned earlier on Sunday. The 29-year-old was reportedly suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a substance known as exogenous testosterone.

Alvarado, who was contracted to make $9 million this season, will now be unavailable till late in the season. His unavailability leaves a huge hole in the Phillies' bullpen as they attempt to navigate a strong NL East division.

The Venezuelan pitcher has had a strong start to 2025 so far, with an ERA of 2.70 and a WAR of 0.8. Through 20 appearances on the mound, Alvarado has racked up 25 strikeouts this year and has a 4-1 record.

Alvarado carries the ninth-highest cap hit on the Phillies cap table this year. The Phillies will undoubtedly need to replace his impact as a closing pitcher and make a move on the trade market. The news has left Phillies fans feeling high and dry.

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado (46)

Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

A fan remarked how this suspension has left the Phillies without a reliable closer in his absence, "It’s 1 guy but this just created a GIGANTIC hole on the roster. Smfh man."

Another fan began to spin a conspiracy theory, claiming to have known Alvarado was doping, "Been on it for years, everyone has known it and the league has turned a blind eye because they love the Phillies."

Another fan lamented how Alvarado made the decision to dope, "I’ll never understand why players do this, fully knowing they will probably get drug tested at some point."

Another fan commented how the Cardinals, who have been red-hot in recent weeks, got their only loss in a game pitched by Alvarado, "The Cardinals have won 12 out of 13, and in their one loss, they faced a cheater."

The Phillies can be expected to try and look for relief pitchers on the trade market. They are currently 27-18, 1.5 games behind the division leading New York Mets.