However, after Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games due to PED use, the complexion of the season shifted drastically. Inside the Phillies' clubhouse, there is frustration.

Throw strikes. Just be yourselves, and we’ll get it done.” Alvarado is 4-1 with a 2.70 ERA and a team-leading seven saves, but Thomson has also used right-hander Jordan Romano in the ninth inning.

And even before Alvarado’s suspension, Romano seemed to have regained the trust of Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who began slotting Romano back into high-leverage spots.

Philadelphia Phillies' José Alvarado pitches during the eighth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Philadelphia.

Alvarado is 19-26 with a 3.40 ERA in 399 relief appearances and one start over nine major league seasons with Tampa Bay (2017-20) and the Phillies (2021-25).

MLB News: Jose Alvarado, a key pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, has been suspended for 80 games by MLB after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, ...

Phillies pitcher José Alvarado has received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a performance enhancing substance.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for 80 games March 31. Right-hander Jose Ruiz, on the injured list since May 3 with neck spasms, was activated to fill Alvarado's roster spot.

Alvarado is 19-26 with a 3.40 ERA in 399 relief appearances and one start over nine major league seasons with Tampa Bay (2017-20) and the Phillies (2021-25).

Alvarado had moved into the primary closer role for the Phillies this year, going 4-1 with seven saves and a 2.70 ERA. The left-hander is fifth in baseball in average velocity on his fastball at ...

PHILADELPHIA — Phillies closer José Alvarado was suspended for 80 games on Sunday following a positive test for external testosterone under Major League Baseball’s drug-testing program.

Jose Alvarado contract Alvarado signed a 3-year, $22 million deal with the Phillies ahead of the 2023 season. He is in the final year of his deal, but Philadelphia has a club option for next season.