Jose Alvarado, the suspended reliever for the Philadelphia Phillies, shared his thoughts in a recent 15-minute interview facilitated by assistant general manager Jorge Velandia. Alvarado, who is nearing the end of his 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, expressed excitement about returning to the team. “I flush the toilet. That’s it. I’m here,” he stated with a smile, indicating his readiness to move forward and reengage with his teammates.
Prior to his suspension, Alvarado had a commendable season, boasting a 4-1 record with a 2.70 ERA across 20 innings, alongside nine saves and 25 strikeouts. He is slated to return to the mound on August 19. In the time away from the game, he emphasized the difficulty of being separated from his teammates and fans, stating, “It’s been really tough for me… Now I’m ready to go and move past this episode of my life.”
He took the opportunity to apologize to his teammates and focused on his eagerness to contribute to the team’s success in the remaining season, despite being unable to participate in the playoffs due to his suspension. Alvarado’s teammate, Tanner Banks, acknowledged his importance to the bullpen, especially as the team pushes for a successful season.
Alvarado’s return coincides with the addition of close Jhoan Duran, which should help bolster the team’s performance down the stretch. Manager Rob Thomson noted Alvarado’s positive mindset, stating, “I think he’s in a good frame of mind… His velocity was good, command was good, cutter was really good.”
Reflecting on his time away, Alvarado shared that he continued to train while at home in Venezuela and distanced himself from social media to reconnect with his roots. He reassured fans by insisting he never knowingly ingested a banned substance, attributing his natural ability to throw hard to his size and conditioning.
Through this experience, Alvarado seems determined to start anew while fostering a strong bond with his current teammates and contributing positively to the team’s journey.
This story offers a hopeful narrative of resilience and rebirth as Alvarado prepares to rejoin the game, showcasing his commitment to personal growth and team dynamics.