Philadelphia Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado has been handed an 80-game suspension without pay after a positive test for exogenous testosterone, a substance categorized by Major League Baseball (MLB) as a performance-enhancer. The suspension is effective immediately and also bars him from participating in the postseason.
Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, stated that the positive test resulted from a weight loss drug that Alvarado took during the offseason. Alvarado accepted the suspension without contesting it. Dombrowski emphasized Alvarado’s belief that he did not knowingly violate the league’s drug policies.
With this suspension, Alvarado will forfeit $4.5 million of his $9 million salary for the season, as detailed in his $22 million, three-year contract signed in 2023. He is next eligible to return on August 19 against the Seattle Mariners, barring any rainouts that could alter the schedule.
Manager Rob Thomson commented on the situation, acknowledging the disappointment but maintaining optimism about the team’s ability to cope with Alvarado’s absence. “We’ve got to move on. It’s too bad, but we’ve got to move on. We have really good pieces here that can pick up the slack,” he said.
Currently, Alvarado leads the Phillies with seven saves and has been performing strongly with a record of 4-1 and a 2.70 ERA over 20 appearances. His fastball velocity ranks impressively among his peers, making his absence notable.
The Phillies’ bullpen will now look to other options to fill Alvarado’s role, with Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering among those in contention. Notably, Alvarado becomes the second MLB player suspended this season for similar reasons, following Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar, who received an 80-game suspension earlier this year.
In response, right-hander Jose Ruiz, who was on the injured list due to neck spasms since May 3, has been activated to take Alvarado’s place on the roster.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge MLB faces with performance-enhancing substances, but it also shows the commitment players have to adhere to the league’s standards. The Phillies will need to rally together to maintain their competitive edge in Alvarado’s absence, which can serve as an opportunity for team cohesion and growth.