Phillies' José Alvarado Breaks Silence Amid 80-Game PED Suspension
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José Alvarado knows he put the Philadelphia Phillies in a tough spot.
All season long, the bullpen has been a major flaw for the Phillies, and Alvarado was supposed to be a key cog preventing that from happening. But he got himself suspended 80 games in May for a positive performance-enhancing drug test, which also means he isn't eligible to pitch in the playoffs.
Alvarado still isn't eligible to return until Aug. 19, but he was present at the Phillies' team picture day on Tuesday. While present at the ballpark, he met with teammates and coaches and apologized, according to a report from Matt Gelb of The Athletic.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 14: José Alvarado #46 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during game one of a doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park on May 14, 2025 in...
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 14: José Alvarado #46 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during game one of a doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park on May 14, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Cardinals 2-1. MoreAlvarado then spoke to reporters for the first time since the suspension in the Phillies' dugout.
"It was a difficult situation," Alvarado said in Spanish, per Gelb. "But like I've said before, I didn't kill anyone. We're human and I made an error. I take responsibility, and it's in the past.
"I'm here to help the team continue to win games."
Alvarado put up a 2.70 ERA in 20 innings this season, compiling seven saves. That mark is still only one off the team lead, held by Jordan Romano, but trade deadline acquisition Jhoan Duran has now taken over the closer role.
But Alvarado still has plenty more to pitch for this year, despite not being eligible for the playoffs. The Phillies will have to decide whether to exercise a $9 million club option for him next year in his age-31 season.
More MLB: Yankees Cut Loose Four-Year Veteran Reliever Despite 3.38 ERA
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