Phillies' Jose Alvarado Faces 80-Game Suspension for Drug Policy Violation

Jose Alvarado, a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, has been handed an 80-game suspension without pay following a breach of Major League Baseball’s drug policy. Alvarado tested positive for exogenous testosterone, a performance-enhancing substance. Phillies president Dave Dombrowski explained that the positive test was linked to a weight loss drug Alvarado used during the offseason.

Alvarado has agreed to the suspension without pursuing an appeal. Consequently, he stands to lose $4.5 million from his $9 million salary this season. The suspension takes effect immediately and bars Alvarado from participating in the postseason. Notably, he leads the team with seven saves this season. His return is anticipated on August 19, when the Phillies face Seattle.