Phillies Reliever Jose Alvarado Faces 80-Game Suspension for Steroid Use

Major League Baseball recently announced that Phillies pitcher Jose Alvarado will serve an 80-game suspension due to a breach of the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Alvarado, who celebrates his 30th birthday this week, tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug exogenous Testosterone. This suspension not only sidelines him for the regular season but also disqualifies him from any playoff games should the Phillies advance.

This unexpected development deprives the Phillies of their closer and one of the more dependable arms in a generally unstable bullpen. With Jordan Romano losing his role as closer after early struggles, Alvarado stepped up, securing all seven of his save chances. He boasts a 2.70 ERA, a strikeout rate of 29.8%, a ground ball rate of 47.3%, and a career-low walk rate of 4.8% over 20 innings with the team. His improved control was a notable highlight this season.

However, the validity of these stats is now in question following the league’s decision. Alvarado’s suspension results in a financial hit of approximately $4.18 million from his $9 million salary for the 2025 season. This is the final guaranteed season under the three-year, $22 million extension he signed with the Phillies in February 2023, which includes a $9 million club option (with a $500,000 buyout) for 2026. Previously, picking up that option seemed like an obvious choice, but current uncertainties about his enduring performance might lead the team to reconsider Alvarado’s future with them.