Latest news with #JoseAlvarado
Reuters
05-08-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Phillies' Jose Alvarado sorry as he nears return from 80-game ban
August 5 - Philadelphia Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado apologized to his team and its fans Tuesday as he nears his return from an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Alvarado wrote on Instagram that he did not intend to take a banned substance and is "fully aware that using prohibited substances is wrong." "I made a mistake and therefore, I have faced the consequences set forth by MLB," he wrote. "Going forward, my focus is on working hard to help the team win." Alvarado was suspended on May 18 after he tested positive for exogenous testosterone. The left-hander is eligible to return to the Phillies on Aug. 19, however he is not eligible to pitch in the playoffs. "Once again, I offer my deepest apologies to the Phillies organization, my teammates, my family, my country Venezuela, the City of Philadelphia and the fans who have always supported me, especially the children and young people," Alvarado said. "There is always a lesson to be learned in every mistake." Alvarado, 30, is 4-1 with seven saves and a 2.70 ERA in 20 relief appearances this season. He has 25 strikeouts versus four walks over 20 innings. Alvarado is 19-26 with 52 saves and a 3.40 ERA in 400 career games (one start) with the Tampa Bay Rays (2017-20) and Phillies. The Phillies (64-48) entered play on Tuesday holding a 1 1/2-game lead over the second-place New York Mets (63-50) in the National League East. Philadelphia acquired closer Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins prior to the trade deadline last week. The right-hander recorded saves in each of his first two appearances with his new team. --Field Level Media
CBS News
04-08-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Jhoan Duran brings the heat — and sets Citizens Bank Park record for Phillies pitcher
Jhoan Duran initially couldn't remember the fastest pitch he's thrown in the major leagues. It wasn't close to what he touched at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday night. "It's 104.8," Duran said after pondering. "Something like that." Duran was lights out in earning his second save in three days for the Phillies, showcasing why the franchise parted ways with two top-six prospects to acquire him. He was just as impressive in his second appearance with the Phillies as he was in his first, throwing the fastest pitch recorded by a Phillies player at Citizens Bank Park. His fastball reached 103.3 mph on the fifth pitch of a six-pitch at-bat to Tigers left fielder Riley Greene. The next pitch resulted in a swing-and-a-miss by Greene, coughing on a 102.5 mph fastball from Duran. The new Phillies' closer threw six fastballs in Sunday's 2-0 victory, five of which went over 102 mph. If Duran looked effortless in throwing his fastball, there's a reason behind it. "It feels normal for me," Duran said, "Because I don't think about it too much on how fast I try [to throw]. I put in my mentality more: if I can control the fastball and the stuff." J.T. Realmuto couldn't remember off the top of his head if 103.3 mph was the fastest pitch he ever caught. He might have at one point, from another hard-throwing reliever that's rejoining the Phillies' bullpen later this month. "I don't know. I think [Jose Alvarado] is probably the hardest thrower I've caught," Realmuto said with a smile. "I don't think he's touched that or not. If not, then no." Duran's velocity on his fastball and splinker have wowed the Phillies since he arrived in town Friday. Realmuto sees the pitches from a different vantage point. "I don't know if people talk about the movement or not," Realmuto said. "As high as the velocity is, it's still moving a lot. His four-seam carries one and runs another, and his splinker is different every pitch. There's always movement involved in that." When Duran enters the game, everyone in the ballpark stops what they're doing. For fans, the phones are coming out for the custom remix of "El Incomprendido" by Farruko and "Hot" by Pitbull and Daddy Yankee. For the Phillies, they are seeing the composed side of Duran as he trots to the mound to finish off a save. "I kind of sat there on the rail, and I wanted to see the entrance, see everything, see the excitement," Kyle Schwarber said. "I faced him a few times before, and it wasn't a comfy at-bat by any means. I think it's pretty impressive he's facing a team that he's seen a lot before, and he just went in there, attacked the zone and is trying to make them beat him." "The biggest thing is just the composure. It's an electric atmosphere, and it can really amp you up, but every time he's out there, he's stone-faced. He just wants to get his job done." If the Phillies were in this situation last week, a two-run lead heading into the ninth with Cristopher Sanchez at 84 pitches, manager Rob Thomson wouldn't hesitate to keep Sanchez in the game and have him start the inning. With Duran closing, the Phillies are automatically going to him if he's available. They saw firsthand how dominant Duran was once he took the mound. As for Duran? He's just enjoying the moment, no matter how easily he's throwing that fastball. "The last time I played here, it was on the other side," Duran said. "Now that I'm on this side? It's more fun."
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Trade Idea Lands Nuggets A Fearless Defender
NBA Trade Idea Lands Nuggets A Fearless Defender originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Denver Nuggets will be heading into the upcoming season with one of the most complete rosters in the NBA. When looking at the additions the team has made in the offseason, the Nuggets boast depth at almost every position. But they aren't the only team that has gotten better. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder will remain powerful, while others like the Los Angeles teams have cultivated roster strength through free agency signings. In this regard, Denver could look at adding some more depth to their roster, particularly in the backcourt rotation, to improve their defense. With the New Orleans Pelicans becoming a potential trade partner, we explore a trade idea that allows the Nuggets to acquire a fearless defensive guard. Proposed Trade Details Denver Nuggets Receive: Jose Alvarado New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Hunter Tyson, Jalen Pickett, 2032 second-round pick A trade for Jose Alvarado could be of interest to Denver, primarily because of what he might bring to the team. While Alvarado has been a key rotation player for the Pelicans, there is an expectation that he could see a reduction in playing time. This may be attributed to the recent moves the Pelicans have made. With the acquisition of Jordan Poole and the imminent return of Dejounte Murray, New Orleans features a very potent backcourt duo. While Alvarado was always viewed as a bench player, he started in 23 games last season. The subsequent increase in playing time allowed him to showcase his abilities on both ends of the floor, as he averaged 10.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. While this would put the 27-year-old in a solid position to retain his place on the team, the Pelicans may opt to go in a different direction. After drafting a talented young guard in Jeremiah Fears, the veteran guard may see his role on the roster come under threat. Fears is still a long way away from being ready, as his defensive instincts and physical strength need work. But given the timeline the Pelicans appear to be on, they may show a preference to develop their rookie into a solid rotation piece. This paves the way for the Nuggets to inquire about Alvarado, who is at the risk of becoming dispensable. The Pelicans guard is known for his feisty defensive work. His iconic backcourt sneak attacks earned him the nickname "Grand Theft Alvarado". While being a defensive threat, Alvarado is also a solid point guard in general. His playmaking and outside shooting ability make him a threat on offense, and his on-court communication is also a key factor in rallying the second unit. The Nuggets don't possess a playmaking point guard at the current juncture. Nikola Jokic's high usage rate is attributed to his role as the primary facilitator, and with Russell Westbrook leaving in free agency, the Nuggets don't have enough players to take on this role. Alvarado may not be the answer in the traditional sense. But his hustle and smarts could make an impact when players like Jamal Murray or Christian Braun are off the floor. In many ways, the guard is reminiscent of former Nuggets player Facundo Campazzo. Considering the impact Campazzo had off the bench, the Nuggets could see Alvarado playing a similar role for story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Phillies Fill Bullpen Hole By Inking Vet Free Agent David Robertson
The Athletic reported Sunday that veteran closer David Robertson has agreed to sign with the ... More bullpen-needy Philadelphia Phillies. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) David Robertson, the forgotten man of last winter's free agent market, is back in the game. The 40-year-old closer, who does not have an agent, returned to one of his former teams Sunday when the Philadelphia Phillies – desperate for relief help – signed him after watching him throw. The Phils, who have been battling the New York Mets for supremacy in the National League East, finished the weekend at 56-43, giving them a lead of just one-half game in the division. Both Philadelphia and New York have lost six of their last ten. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, who broke the story, Robertson will receive a pro-rated $16 million salary for the rest of the season, or $6.021 million. His signing, which becomes official after an expected Monday announcement by the team, repairs the primary problem facing the Phils: lack of a reliable closer. Emotional reliever Jose Alvarado can return to the Phillies Aug. 19 but can't pitch in the playoffs ... More because of his PEDs suspension. (Photo by) Erstwhile closer Jose Alvarado has been suspended for violating baseball's rule barring use of performance-enhancing substances. That 80-day suspension, which started earlier this year, also bars the pitcher from appearing in the playoffs in the event the Phils qualify. The hard-throwing Alvarado is eligible to return on Aug. 19. In the interim, Robertson's return spares the Phils from finding a late-inning reliever via the trade market, which closes on July 31, and enables them to keep promising minor-league talent that might have been needed to outbid other clubs searching for bullpen help. For Robertson, a 5'11" Birmingham native, this will be his third sojourn in the City of Brotherly Love. He signed as a free agent before the 2019 season but fell victim to Tommy John elbow surgery after working only 6 2/3 innings. He returned three years later when the Phils acquired him in a midseason trade with the Chicago Cubs that helped Philadelphia win a pennant. The well-traveled Robertson has also pitched for the Mets, Yankees, White Sox, Rangers, Marlins, and Rays. In 16 seasons, he has a 2.91 earned run average and 177 saves while averaging 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings. He spent last season as the top set-up man for Kirby Yates in Texas, where he posted a 3.00 ERA in 72 innings pitched. Fortunately for Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson, the team has a veteran starting rotation led by Cy Young Award candidate Zack Wheeler and lefty Ranger Suarez. Their strong performance has taken considerable pressure off an underwhelming bullpen brigade that ranks 23rd among the 30 teams in earned run average (4.36). Jordan Romano, a former Toronto closer signed last winter, and fellow free agent Joe Ross have been erratic at best, leaving much of the work to lefty Matt Strahm and youngsters Orion Kerkering and Tanner Banks. The Phils find Robertson's postseason record especially attractive. The right-hander has gone 6-0 with a 3.04 ERA in 42 games over 18 series, including a winning World Series with the 2009 Yankees against the Phillies.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pelicans' Jose Alvarado hilariously reveals his favorite NBA player
The post Pelicans' Jose Alvarado hilariously reveals his favorite NBA player appeared first on ClutchPoints. Jose Alvarado had a breakout campaign for the New Orleans Hornets last season, playing a key role off the bench for the upstart squad. Advertisement He averaged in double-digit scoring for the first time at 10.3 points per game. He also tallied career-highs in rebounds, assists, and steals, proving he's one of the more dependable backup guards in the NBA. Alvarado's confidence is always on full display whenever he checks into the game. He's a guy who definitely bets on himself every single time. When a Pelicans fan page on X asked about Alvarado, the feisty playmaker had the perfect response. 'I love him, he is my favorite player,' wrote the Pelicans guard in jest. As they say, love yourself first. The 27-year-old Alvarado, who hails from Puerto Rico, has become a fan favorite in New Orleans because of his relentlessness, especially on the defensive end. Nicknamed 'Grand Theft Alvarado' for his infamously stealthy tactic to steal the ball, he went undrafted out of Georgia Tech in 2021. The Hornets, however, took a chance on him and signed him to a two-way contract. Advertisement The former ACC Defensive Player of the Year carved out a role in the team as a pesky disruptor, while also providing streaky offense. In the 2023-24 season, he was among the contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year award. While Alvarado had a strong year despite being limited to 56 games due to injuries, the Pelicans missed the playoffs last season after a lowly 21-61 record. It could be considered a transition period, as the team finally let go of the oft-injured star Brandon Ingram, trading him to the Toronto Raptors before the deadline. This season, the Pelicans, who have only made it to the playoffs twice in the last seven years, will welcome a new face in Jordan Poole. The squad acquired him from the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum. For sure, Poole will love the good-humored Alvarado as a teammate. If not, well, Alvarado already knows who loves Alvarado the most. Advertisement Related: NBA rumors: Pelicans' Jonathan Kuminga interest faces 'considerable' obstacles Related: New Orleans Pelicans 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pick
