On Saturday, May 18, the Commissioner’s Office of the MLB announced that Phillies pitcher Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games because of PED usage. Alvarado has been having a terrific season as the main closer for the Phillies. This could be a major blow to their bullpen and to their championship aspirations. Here’s what we know so far about the situation.
Alvarado Suspension Details
Alvarado was suspended because he tested positive for exogenous Testosterone. In this case, exogenous means any form of testosterone that the body did not produce naturally. This could be TRT, anabolic steroids, HRT, or multiple other forms of exogenous testosterone. However, in this case, it was most likely anabolic steroids, as that is the most common type of exogenous testosterone used by athletes in most sports. In any case, exogenous testosterone is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It also violates the MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. Alvarado is suspended for 80 games due to this positive test and, most importantly, will not be available for the postseason for the Phillies.
Phillies Future Without Alvarado
Alvarado has been having a pretty good year so far for Philadelphia as their main closer. He’s appeared in 20 games with a 2.70 ERA, 7 saves, 25 strikeouts, and 0.8 WAR. He has been by far the most valuable reliever for Philadelphia, with Matt Strahm coming in second with 0.5 WAR. This suspension is definitely a blow to Philadelphia’s championship aspirations. Making a run in the playoffs demands a deep bullpen, and Philadelphia has just lost its number one guy in that regard. This may force their hand into making some trades at the deadline for more arms for the bullpen.
Furthermore, this will also push Strahm, Tanner Banks, and Orion Kerkering into bigger roles. The Phillies will need them to step up and fill the void left by Alvarado in order to make a run in the playoffs. We’ll see what happens, but no matter what, losing Alvarado is not good for them.
Bottomline On The Situation
It is disappointing any time a baseball player is discovered to be using PEDs. Regardless of your stance on them and how you regard players like Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez, who are known users, it is still better and more impressive if someone can do great things naturally. It is a shame that Alvarado felt the need to do this and use steroids. In doing so, he has put his team in a precarious position for the immediate future.
Furthermore, he has forced a greater burden on his fellow relievers in the bullpen as a result of his actions. For him personally, he has lost a season essentially in the middle of his prime. Who knows what his role will be when he returns next season? It’s unfortunate for him, the Phillies, and the fans. I hope the team can recover from this blow and make their fans proud in the postseason.
Main Photo Credits: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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