PHILADELPHIA — José Alvarado, the Philadelphia Phillies’ closer, has been handed an 80-game suspension after testing positive for external testosterone, according to Major League Baseball’s drug-testing protocol. This incident marks the second suspension of the year for a player under these rules, joining Atlanta’s Jurickson Profar.
In a statement, Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, explained that Alvarado’s positive test stemmed from a weight loss medication he took during the offseason. Dombrowski mentioned that Alvarado accepted the suspension without contesting it, stating that the player did not knowingly take a banned substance.
As it stands, Alvarado is expected to return on August 19, provided there are no rainouts affecting the schedule. The suspension, however, will cost him $4.5 million, which is half of his $9 million salary for the season. Moreover, his absence will prevent him from participating in the postseason.
Manager Rob Thomson acknowledged the setback but emphasized the need for the team to move forward. He expressed confidence in the other players who can step up in Alvarado’s absence.
The Phillies will look to alternatives for closing games, including Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering, as they adjust to the loss of the 29-year-old left-hander. Alvarado has had a solid season so far, boasting a 2.70 ERA and seven saves without failing in any save opportunities.
In Alvarado’s nine seasons in Major League Baseball, he has a record of 19 wins and 26 losses with a 3.40 ERA over 399 relief appearances. He has recorded 52 saves across 68 games and has played a role in 21 postseason games in recent years.
As the team adapts to this change, Alvarado becomes the sixth player suspended this season due to drug violations, highlighting an ongoing issue in the sport. To fill Alvarado’s spot on the roster, the team activated right-hander José Ruiz, who had been sidelined since early May due to neck spasms.
