PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado has rejoined the team following an 80-game suspension for violating baseball's performance-enhancing drugs policy.
Alvarado was back in Philadelphia before Tuesday night's home game against Baltimore and is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment soon. The Venezuelan left-hander is eligible to return to the big leagues on Aug. 19, but can't pitch in the post-season if the Phillies qualify due to Major League Baseball rules on PED bans.
Philadelphia led the NL East by 1 1/2 games over the New York Mets heading into Tuesday’s games.
“I am fully aware that using prohibited substances is wrong and I would never intend to do so because I have always had great respect for the game, my organization, my teammates and the fans, all of whom I want to offer my sincere apologies,” Alvarado posted on Instagram. "I made a mistake and therefore, I have faced the consequences set forth by MLB. Going forward, my focus is on working hard to help the team win.”
Alvarado was suspended on May 18 following a positive test for an external testosterone. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said the positive test was caused by a weight loss drug Alvarado took during the off-season.
The Phillies used several players in the closer role after Alvarado's suspension before acquiring Jhoan Duran in a trade with Minnesota for two top prospects last week.
Alvarado had a 2.70 ERA, 25 strikeouts and seven saves in 20 appearances before the suspension. The 30-year-old will lose $4.5 million, half his $9 million salary this year as part of a $22 million, three-year contract he signed in 2023, as a result of the suspension.
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). He has 52 saves in 68 appearances and appeared in 21 post-season games over the last three seasons.
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