José Alvarado Faces 80-Game Suspension for PED Use: What This Means for the Phillies Bullpen

PHILADELPHIA — Big news in the MLB: José Alvarado, a key reliever for the Phillies, has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a banned substance, exogenous testosterone. This suspension, effective immediately and without pay, means he won’t be able to play if the Phillies make it to the postseason.

The Phillies are now faced with a challenge. Alvarado’s absence hits at a crucial time. The team’s bullpen, already considered a weak spot, will need bolstering. Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, revealed that Alvarado tested positive after using a weight-loss drug this offseason. The news broke after a series in Tampa Bay, and Dombrowski found out Alvarado had accepted the suspension on Sunday.

Dombrowski mentioned that Alvarado’s situation is akin to an injury, saying, “We need to replace somebody for 80 games… It’s disappointing.” During their conversation, Dombrowski noted Alvarado expressed regret, feeling like he had let his teammates down.

Alvarado has struggled with his weight for years. The Tampa Bay Rays traded him to the Phillies partly due to these concerns. In 2025, he showed promise, reporting to spring training lighter than last year. His stats looked good: a 2.70 ERA with 25 strikeouts over 20 innings. At just 29 years old, his fastball averaged an impressive 99.3 mph, but now his future hangs in the balance as he faces this lengthy suspension. He’s also in the last year of a three-year, $17.5 million deal.

Manager Rob Thomson learned about the suspension in the morning but hinted he had heard rumors before. He emphasized the need to move forward, saying, “We have really good pieces here that can pick up the slack.”

In Alvarado’s absence, Matt Strahm will likely step into a more significant role as the leading lefty. However, the team’s depth in left-handed options is limited, especially at Triple A. With only one lefty in the minor leagues and a lackluster performance from other potential replacements, the pressure is on the remaining bullpen to step up.

A bright spot for the Phillies is the consistent performance from their starting rotation, which could alleviate some bullpen strain. Dombrowski mentioned that Ranger Suárez’s role as a starter is essential, though there may be discussions about turning him into a reliever later in the season.

The team’s top prospect, Andrew Painter, could also factor into future strategies. His arrival in the majors might influence how the Phillies handle their pitching situation moving forward. Meanwhile, Mick Abel’s debut may lead to new opportunities for the roster, including trades for additional bullpen help.

Replacing a hard-throwing lefty like Alvarado won’t be easy. The Phillies face a real challenge ahead, but it will be interesting to see how they navigate the season.

For more on the impact of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, check out recent discussions from organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency.

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Philadelphia Phillies, MLB