Phillies Predicted To Demote Young Pitcher When Jose Alvarado Returns
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The entire Philadelphia Phillies season was flipped on its head earlier in the year when closer Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games and the postseason following a failed drug test.
The Phillies responded by trading for closer Jhoan Duran to take Alvarado's place, but now, the star lefty is nearing a big league return.
FanSided's Zachary Rotman recently suggested the Phillies could option Max Lazar to Triple-A when Alvarado returns from suspension in the near future.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 08: Max Lazar #60 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on August 08, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 08: Max Lazar #60 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on August 08, 2025 in Arlington, Texas."All of a sudden, the Phillies' bullpen has gone from a weakness to a potential strength. Jose Alvarado's return from the restricted list is bound to only make that strength even stronger," Rotman wrote. "Alvarado won't be on the team's postseason roster, and there are questions about how he'll perform after his PED suspension, but he'll get a chance to pitch down the stretch for the Phillies regardless, forcing Philadelphia to send someone down. Max Lazar is an easy candidate to be that guy.
"Lazar is one of four Phillies relievers who can be optioned, and Philadelphia won't be demoting any of Jhoan Duran, Orion Kerkering or Tanner Banks to make room for Alvarado. Sending him down is the easiest and most logical move they can make when Alvarado is ready to go on August 19."
Lazar is the obvious move to make when Alvarado returns.
The righty isn't going to win the World Series for the Phillies, and he has options left on his contract. He's a solid innings-eater with a bright future in the big leagues, but the Phillies need as many high-leverage arms as possible in their bullpen. Lazar doesn't fit that mold as of now.
It should be expected, barring an unforeseen injury, that Lazar ends the season in Triple-A.
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