In a season already testing the Philadelphia Phillies’ resolve, unexpected setbacks keep piling up like a bad sequel nobody asked for. Just when hopes were building, a major blow shook the clubhouse, sending shockwaves through fans and analysts alike. It’s a stark reminder that in baseball, the biggest challenges sometimes come not from the opposing team, but from within.
Why is this happening in MLB? The Phillies’ relief pitcher, Jose Alvarado, has allegedly tested positive for PEDs, and this isn’t just a bad sign, but also a major blow for the Phillies. Insider Jon Heyman reportedly wrote on X, “Jose Alvarado receives an 80-game PED suspension without pay and will be ineligible for Postseason if Phillies reach.”
As if the 80-game ban was not enough, he won’t even be a part of the Phillies’ lineup for the postseason if they make it through.
Jose Alvarado receives an 80-game PED suspension without pay and will be ineligible for Postseason if Phillies reach.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 18, 2025
With the Phillies already looking to strengthen their bullpen, this is a huge hit. They are already missing pitchers like Jose Ruiz, Christian McGowan, and Aaron Nola, and this news will hit them like a bullet train. The Phillies’ bullpen has been underperforming in 2025. With a 5.81 ERA, it’s the second-worst in MLB. They’ve allowed a .282 batting average, the highest in the league. Additionally, they’ve blown 8 saves, the most in baseball.
The Phillies’ bullpen woes have officially entered crisis mode — now starring an 80-game suspension cameo by Alvarado. At this point, the team’s relief corps looks less like a fortress and more like a revolving door. If baseball’s PED crackdown is a war on cheating, the Phillies seem caught in the crossfire, proving sometimes, the real drama happens off the mound.
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