José Alvarado Returns to the Phillies After Serving Suspension
Philadelphia Phillies’ left-handed pitcher, José Alvarado, has been reinstated to the team after completing his rehabilitation assignment with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, a Triple-A team. Alvarado’s return comes after serving an 80-game suspension imposed for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy. The suspension prevents Alvarado from participating in the postseason, which could influence manager Rob Thomson’s decisions on who will take on the closer role in the final weeks of the regular season. Before being placed on the restricted list on May 18, Alvarado had a 4-1 record with seven saves and an ERA of 2.70. Among the options for the closer position in the Phillies’ bullpen are Jhoan Duran, Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering, and Matt Strahm. Alvarado, 30 years old, has 52 saves in his career, including 13 in 2024, his personal best. At the time of Alvarado’s suspension, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski stated that the positive test was due to a weight-loss medication Alvarado had taken during the offseason.In his five rehabilitation appearances with Lehigh Valley, Alvarado did not allow runs, conceded four hits, struck out four batters, and gave up four walks in five innings. To make room on the 26-man roster, right-handed pitcher Nolan Hoffman was optioned to Lehigh Valley. Left-handed pitcher Josh Walker was designated for assignment to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. Alvarado was the second player suspended this year under the MLB testing program, after Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar.“It’s not something I did knowingly,” Dombrowski said. “I believe that, the way he spoke to me.”
Dave Dombrowski
