José Alvarado Suspended 80 Games for PED Violation
Phillies closer José Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games. The punishment came after he tested positive for external testosterone. Major League Baseball announced the decision on Sunday under its drug-testing program.
Alvarado is one of the league’s hardest-throwing relievers. He’s the second player this season suspended for a drug violation, following Atlanta’s Jurickson Profar.
The Phillies confirmed that the violation stemmed from a weight loss drug. Team president Dave Dombrowski said Alvarado used the drug during the offseason. He also said Alvarado accepted the ruling and did not appeal. The team believes it was unintentional.
Alvarado will be eligible to return on August 19 against the Mariners. That date holds unless rainouts push back the Phillies’ schedule. He will forfeit $4.5 million in salary — half of his $9 million earnings this year. He signed a three-year deal worth $22 million. Philadelphia holds a $9 million option for 2026 with a $500,000 buyout.
Phillies Must Regroup Without Jose Alvarado
Manager Rob Thomson said the team has to move forward. Thomson expressed confidence in the bullpen’s depth. Replacement options include Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering.
Alvarado, a 29-year-old lefty, had strong numbers this season. He posted a 2.70 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings. He was 4-1 with seven saves in seven chances. His four-seam fastball averaged 99.6 mph—fifth-best among pitchers with over 250 pitches thrown.
If one rough outing is removed from his record, his stats were even better. Without that game, his ERA drops to 1.45, with a WHIP of 1.07 and 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
The Phillies say that a weight loss drug led to Jose Alvarado's PED suspension pic.twitter.com/yCbwcn5dnS
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 18, 2025
Alvarado has been a steady force in the bullpen. Losing him is a major blow to Philadelphia’s pitching staff. Over his nine-season career, he’s 19-26 with a 3.40 ERA. He has 52 saves in 68 chances. He’s also pitched in 21 postseason games over the past three years. He previously played for the Rays before joining the Phillies in 2021.
Philadelphia is off to a strong 27–18 start this season. But Alvarado’s suspension adds uncertainty. The next stretch of games could shape their playoff hopes.
Before the All-Star break, they face the Giants and Padres on the road. After the break, they play the Angels, Red Sox, and Yankees. Winning a few of those series would help keep momentum. But with Alvarado out, their postseason path looks much harder.
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