Phillies closer José Alvarado suspended 80 games after failing performance-enhancing drug test
Philadelphia Phillies closer José Alvarado has been suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball after failing a performance-enhancing drug test.
The suspension, which is effective immediately, will also prevent him from pitching in the postseason.
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"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," the team said in a statement.
In his fifth season with Philadelphia, Alvarado has a 2.70 ERA with seven saves, 25 strikeouts and four walks in 20 innings. He was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays before the 2021 season in a three-team trade.
Losing their closer is a major blow for the Phillies, who are currently 1.5 games behind the New York Mets in the National League East, with a 27-18 record. Alvarado has been the team's most reliable reliever in a bullpen that ranks fourth-worst in the NL with a 4.66 ERA and eight blown saves.
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An 80-game suspension is the penalty for a first-time offender under MLB's performance-enhancing drug policy. A second violation would draw a 162-game suspension, and a third results in a lifetime ban from the sport.
Alvarado's suspension will make him unavailable to the Phillies until mid-August. But even more of a concern is his unavailability for the postseason, when starting pitchers throw fewer innings and bullpen depth is at a premium.
Philadelphia could try Jordan Romano, Tanner Banks or Matt Strahm to replace Alvarado, though Romano (7.71 ERA) did not pitch well when he began the season in the closer role. Finding another closer or top setup reliever could become a priority for president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski ahead of the trade deadline.
Alvarado, 30, is in the final year of a three-year, $22 million contract. He has a $9 million club option for next season, but Sunday's news might affect the Phillies' decision-making on that. In his nine MLB seasons, Alvarado has compiled a 3.40 ERA, averaging 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
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