Philadelphia Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado has been suspended 80 games without pay for violating Major League Baseball’s drug policy.
Alvarado tested positive for exogenous testosterone, a banned performance-enhancing substance. The suspension is effective immediately, and by league rules, he will also be ineligible for the postseason this year.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said the positive test was caused by a weight-loss drug Alvarado took during the offseason. Alvarado accepted the suspension and did not appeal.
“It’s not something he did knowingly,” Dombrowski said. “I believe that, the way he talked to me.”
Unless games are pushed back by rainouts, Alvarado is expected to be eligible to return Aug. 19 in a game against the Seattle Mariners. As part of his $22 million, three-year contract signed in 2023, Alvarado will lose $4.5 million, which is half his $9 million salary this season. The Phillies also hold a $9 million option on him for 2026, with a $500,000 buyout.
“We’ve got to move on,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “It’s too bad, but we’ve got to move on. We have really good pieces here that can pick up the slack.”
Alvarado has been a key part of the Phillies bullpen this season, leading the team with seven saves. He holds a 4-1 record with a 2.70 ERA over 20 appearances, striking out 25 and walking four in 20 innings pitched. His four-seam fastball averages 99.6 mph, ranking fifth among pitchers who have thrown 250 or more pitches this season.
With Alvarado sidelined, the Phillies will turn to other closing options, including Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering. Romano has five saves this season, most recently striking out the side to secure a 1-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Alvarado is the second major league player suspended this year under MLB’s drug testing program. Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar received an 80-game suspension on March 31.
To fill Alvarado’s roster spot, the Phillies activated right-hander Jose Ruiz from the injured list. Ruiz has been sidelined since May 3 with neck spasms.
The Phillies now face the challenge of adjusting their bullpen without their top closer while keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Photo: Heather Barry/Getty Images
