When your team’s closer vanishes for 80 games mid-season, championship dreams don’t just fade–they crumble. The Philadelphia Phillies discovered this harsh reality when MLB dropped the hammer on their $22 million relief pitcher, leaving a gaping hole in their World Series aspirations. Want to take any guess what caused this devastating blow?
The bombshell hit Philadelphia like a fastball to the chest, and the culprit was José Alvarado. The veteran lefthander tested positive for exogenous testosterone, which is a performance-enhancing substance, earning him an 80-game suspension without pay. The timing couldn’t have been worse. The Phillies were building momentum for another playoff run when their closer suddenly became unavailable for the remainder of the regular season and postseason. Well, you know what they say about timing in baseball–it’s everything, and this was everything gone wrong.
Breaking his silence after weeks, Alvarado finally faced the music on Instagram. “I am fully aware that using prohibited substances is wrong and I would never intend to take them”, he wrote in his emotional statement. The veteran lefthander didn’t dodge responsibility, admitting, “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.” His apology carried the weight of someone who knew he’d let down not just himself, but an entire organization banking on his arm for October glory.
Jose Alvarado has released a statement on Instagram about his PED suspension. pic.twitter.com/aP7YdmJWG8
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) August 5, 2025
Phillies president Dave Dombrowski painted a picture of accidental wrongdoing, revealing the culprit behind the positive test. “It’s not something he did knowingly,” Dombrowski said. “I believe, the way he talked to me.” The explanation? A weight-loss drug Alvarado took during the offseason triggered the violation. Tbh, it makes sense. Players constantly seek edges in conditioning and performance, but the fine line between legal supplementation and banned substances can blur dangerously.
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