Sun May 18 17:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a performance-enhancing substance. The suspension, effective immediately, also makes him ineligible for the postseason. Phillies’ president Dave Dombrowski stated Alvarado took a weight loss drug during the offseason which caused the positive test. Alvarado accepted the suspension and will lose $4.5 million of his salary. Manager Rob Thomson expressed disappointment but confidence in other players to cover Alvarado’s absence. Alvarado leads the Phillies with seven saves. Romano and Kerkering are closing options. Right-hander Jose Ruiz was activated to fill Alvarado’s roster spot.

**News Article:**

**Phillies’ Alvarado Suspended 80 Games for PED Violation**

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado has been slapped with an 80-game suspension without pay for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension, effective immediately, stems from a positive test for exogenous testosterone, a banned performance-enhancing substance.

The news is a blow to the Phillies, as Alvarado, a hard-throwing left-hander, leads the team with seven saves and boasts a 2.70 ERA in 20 appearances this season. His absence will also extend to the postseason.

Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski addressed the situation, stating that the positive test was attributed to a weight loss drug Alvarado took during the offseason. “It’s not something he did knowingly,” Dombrowski said, adding that Alvarado accepted the suspension and will not appeal.

The suspension carries a significant financial cost for Alvarado, costing him $4.5 million of his $9 million salary this year. Assuming no weather-related schedule changes, he’s slated to return on August 19th against the Seattle Mariners.

Manager Rob Thomson acknowledged the setback but expressed confidence in the team’s depth. “It’s too bad, but we’ve got to move on. We have really good pieces here that can pick up the slack.” Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering are potential candidates to fill Alvarado’s closing role.

Alvarado is the second MLB player suspended this season for a PED violation, following Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar. In a corresponding roster move, the Phillies have activated right-hander Jose Ruiz from the injured list.

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