The win-now Phillies were just dealt a significant blow to their World Series hopes.
Left-handed reliever Jose Alvarado has been suspended 80 games and is ineligible for the playoffs after testing positive for a substance that is banned under MLB’s PED policy, the league announced.
Alvarado, Philadelphia’s best reliever so far this season, tested positive for exogenous Testosterone, according to MLB.
“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 said in a statement.
Alvarado, 29, has a 2.70 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP, 25 strikeouts, seven saves and a 4-1 record in 20 innings this season.
He’s in the final year of a $22 million contract, with the Phillies holding a team option worth $9 million for the 2026 season.
Alvarado’s loss is a huge one for a bullpen that has struggled this season.
The Phillies’ 4.66 ERA from relievers is the seventh-worst in MLB.
Right-hander Orion Kerkering, a 24-year-old who had a breakout 2024 campaign, has a 4.32 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 19 appearances this season, a far cry from his 2.29 ERA and 1.08 WHIP from last season.
Former Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano has been a bust for the Phillies so far after signing a one-year, $8.5 million contract.
The 32-year-old has a 7.71 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 19 appearances this season.
The Phillies entered Sunday with a 27-18 record, holding the second NL wild-card spot while sitting 1.5 games behind the Mets for the NL East lead.
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