President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Sunday that Alvarado tested positive after taking a weight-loss drug in the offseason.
Dombrowski first became aware of the failed test after the Phillies’ series in Tampa Bay, which ended May 8, then learned Sunday morning that Alvarado accepted the suspension.
Like, I’m f—ing fat.” During spring training in 2025, Alvarado said he ended the 2024 season at around 264 pounds.
Abel could also serve as a trade chip as the Phillies explore the market for bullpen additions.
But whatever the Phillies do, it’ll be hard to replace Alvarado, a lefty who throws 100 mph.
José Alvarado, one of the hardest-throwing lefties in baseball and the Phillies’ most reliable reliever since 2025, was suspended by Major League Baseball for 80 games on Sunday after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
According to the league, Alvarado tested positive for the illegal drug exogenous testosterone. His suspension is immediate and unpaid. Alvarado will not be allowed to play if the Phillies make it to the postseason.
This is a big step forward for the Phillies this season, and it will eventually force the front office to strengthen a bullpen that, even with Alvarado, was one of the team’s weakest units.
Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations, revealed on Sunday that Alvarado had taken a weight-loss medication during the offseason and that the test result was positive. Following the Phillies’ series in Tampa Bay, which concluded on May 8, Dombrowski first learned of the failed test. He then found out on Sunday morning that Alvarado had agreed to the suspension.
Although Dombrowski did not know when Alvarado failed the test, he did say that the reliever failed one test and then passed other tests.
“It’s disappointing,” Dombrowski remarked. “I mean, that is beyond dispute. At different points in time, other problems have arisen. In the end, I treat it as though it were an injury. You have to replace someone for 80 games, and then hopefully into the postseason, so that’s honestly what it is. He did not do it intentionally. Considering the way he spoke to me, I think so. “.”.
Dombrowski described the discussion about embracing the suspension as emotional. Alvarado felt he let his teammates down and made it clear he had no intention of doing this, Dombrowski continued. By Sunday morning, the pitcher had already left town.
Alvarado has always had weight issues. One reason for the Tampa Bay Rays’ 2021 trade of Alvarado to Philadelphia—Dombrowski’s first deal with the Phillies—was his lack of conditioning. During a Grapefruit League game two years ago, Alvarado made a joke about being a grizzly bear in an interview. He then said, “Bro, I feel like a fat boy,” with a serious expression. I’m f—ing fat, you know. “.”.
Alvarado claimed that he finished the 2024 season weighing about 264 pounds during spring training in 2025. He reported weighing close to 250 pounds.
His initial outcomes were impressive. This season, the 29-year-old Venezuelan pitched 20 innings with 25 strikeouts and four walks, good for a 2.70 ERA. Alvarado’s fastball increased from 97 mph in 2024 to 99 mph this season. He had more life in his cutter. He had a higher strikeout rate. Alvarado was trusted by the Phillies to handle the most difficult situations this season. It won’t be clear until Alvarado returns in late August whether his performance was improved by something or by being in better shape.
Alvarado’s future after 2025 is uncertain due to the suspension. His three-year contract, worth $17.5 million, is currently in its last year. For 2026, the Phillies have a $9 million club option.
Although he claimed to have heard “rumblings” about the suspension beforehand, manager Rob Thomson found out about it Sunday morning.
According to Thomson, “it’s really out of our control.”. “We must move on.”. It’s too bad. However, we must go on. The pieces that can pick up the slack are really good. “”.
Matt Strahm takes over as the top lefty in the bullpen after gaining experience in high-leverage situations. As the second lefty in the bullpen, Tanner Banks, who has shown more swing-and-miss ability but is prone to giving up home runs, becomes much more significant. There is no depth in the Phillies’ left-handed bullpen at Triple A. The team’s Triple A pitching staff only has one lefty, Nick Vespi, who has big-league experience but has a 9.00 ERA in nine innings pitched with more walks than strikeouts.
Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering’s favorable trends must continue in the near future for the Phillies. Someone else from the Carlos Hernández, José Ruiz, and Joe Ross middle-reliever cluster will need to take on a more significant role.
Dombrowski stated that he does not believe the suspension will have an impact on the starting lineup, but he did not want to make a firm claim. Ranger Suárez is most useful to the current roster as a starter, though he has experience as a reliever in the major leagues. Since coming back from the injured list in early May, Suárez has thrown seven innings in a row. The Phillies’ rotation, which has a history of pitching deep into games, may be the best way to offset a bullpen shortage.
Later this summer, if top prospect Andrew Painter is judged ready to make his major league debut, the Phillies might look again at the Suárez situation.
On Sunday, Mick Abel will make his major league debut as a starter. If the Phillies believe he can contribute there later in the season, he may be considered for a bullpen role. As the Phillies look to bolster their bullpen, Abel might also be used as a trade chip.
After the Phillies’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, Abel will probably still be sent back to the minor leagues. He would be replaced by another reliever, Seth Johnson, a right-handed reliever with good stuff but little command yet.
However, Alvarado is a lefty who throws at 100 mph, so it will be difficult to replace him no matter what the Phillies do. Few of those exist in baseball, much less ones that can be traded.
Hunter Martin/Getty Images took the top image.
