MLB slaps the book at Alvarado. Philadelphia Phillies closer Jose Alvarado has been banned for a whopping 80 games by Major League Baseball after coming up dirty on a performance-enhancing drug test. Alvarado tested positive for exogenous testosterone. The suspension goes into effect immediately and will prevent him from taking the mound in the postseason this fall, provided the Phillies are able to qualify.
In a related move, the Phillies activated Jose Ruiz from the injured list. Ruiz was due back on the active roster anyway, with the Phillies originally planning on activating him after the game. Sunday’s starter Mick Abel is scheduled to be sent back down to the minors afterward.
The Phillies organization put out the following statement in response to the news: “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.” Head Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski stated that Alvarado said the reason for the failed test was his usage of a weight loss drug.
Alvarado, who will turn 30 on Wednesday, May 21, had compiled a sparkling 2.70 ERA (159 ERA+) and a 6.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first 20 appearances. He had registered seven saves, including one in his most recent appearance on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In parts of nine seasons for his career, he has been solid and amassed a 123 ERA+ and a 2.41 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The Phillies have already played 45 games on their schedule this season, meaning that Alvarado’s suspension will take up most of their remaining schedule. He will have only a matter of weeks to make a significant impact upon his reinstatement.
With Alvarado out indefinitely, it is yet to be determined who the Phillies will turn to in save situations in the eighth or ninth inning. Philadelphia’s bullpen ranks in the bottom third, 24th in ERA to date.
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The other Phillies relievers with multiple saves this season are Matt Strahm and Jordan Romano; the latter continues to sport an elevated ERA (7.71 in 18 appearances), though he has looked better of late. The Phillies already appeared likely to be in the market for relief help later this summer ahead of the trade deadline. Alvardo’s suspension makes that even more of a priority.
The Phillies are going into Sunday’s action with a 27-18 record on the season, nine games above .500, putting them in second place behind the New York Mets in the National League East by 1 ½ games.
