Phillies Star Reliever Suspended for 80 Games After Failed Drug Test [WATCH]

Philadelphia Phillies left-handed pitcher Jose Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance, Major League Baseball announced.

The suspension is effective immediately, and Alvarado will be ineligible for postseason play in 2025.

MLB confirmed that Alvarado, 29, tested positive for exogenous testosterone, a substance prohibited under the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Phillies pitcher Jose Alvarado is receiving an 80 game suspension without pay after testing positive for Exogenous Testosterone.

He will be ineligible for the postseason this season if the Phillies reach playoffs. pic.twitter.com/G5TohCuO5Z

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 18, 2025

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The veteran reliever has been one of the most effective arms in the Phillies bullpen this season and his suspension represents a major setback for the team’s playoff ambitions.

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In a statement released Sunday, the Phillies responded to the news, saying, “The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and are disappointed to hear today’s news of Jose’s violation.”

The Phillies issued the following statement regarding José Alvarado: pic.twitter.com/nRMVU6Ck7J

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 18, 2025

Alvarado has posted a 2.70 ERA over 20 innings this season, with a 1.20 WHIP, 25 strikeouts, and seven saves.

He holds a 4-1 record in what had been a strong start to the year.

The left-hander is currently in the final season of a three-year, $22 million contract he signed with Philadelphia in 2022.

The team holds a $9 million option for the 2026 season.

His absence will be especially impactful for a Phillies bullpen that has underperformed throughout the season.

The team’s relievers collectively have a 4.66 ERA, which ranks as the seventh-worst in Major League Baseball.

Among those expected to take on a larger role in Alvarado’s absence is right-hander Orion Kerkering.

The 24-year-old had a breakout season in 2024 but has struggled to replicate that success this year.

Through 19 appearances, Kerkering has a 4.32 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP, a noticeable drop from his 2.29 ERA and 1.08 WHIP from the previous year.

Veteran closer Jordan Romano, signed by Philadelphia during the offseason on a one-year, $8.5 million deal, has also struggled since joining the team.

Romano, 32, currently holds a 7.71 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP over 19 appearances.

The Phillies entered Sunday with a 27-18 record and currently hold the second National League wild-card spot.

They are 1.5 games behind the division-leading New York Mets in the National League East.

The loss of Alvarado, who has been the most reliable member of the bullpen so far this season, places additional pressure on a pitching staff that has faced consistency issues throughout the year.

Manager Rob Thomson and the front office will now be tasked with finding stability in the late innings as the team continues its push toward the postseason.

There has been no public comment yet from Alvarado regarding the suspension.

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