Ninety-three days ago, José Alvarado received the worst news a healthy baseball player can receive: suspension. Eighty games later, Alvarado has officially rejoined the Philadelphia Phillies’ active roster, taking the place of right-hander Nolan Hoffman on the Phillies’ active roster. Left-hander Josh Walker has been designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
Prior to testing positive for exogenous testosterone, Alvarado was pitching a strong season out of the Phillies’ bullpen. In 20 innings, Alvarado struck out 25 batters while maintaining a 2.70 ERA. He also earned seven saves acting as the main closer for the Phillies early in the season.
Loaded for Bear
At the time, the assumption was that Alvarado had taken the banned substance in an effort to lose weight. The lefty confirmed that when he returned to Philadelphia for a check-in earlier this month. Addressing the media during his visit, Alvarado stated that he did not believe it effected his performance. Alvarado’s sinker, his primary fastball, had increased from a 97.8 mph average in 2024 to 99.3 this season.
While in town, Alvarado issued an apology for his mistake, stating his focus to help his team win moving forward. The 30-year old reliever has often been a source of joy and hand-crafted rally chickens off the field while possessing a fastball with triple-digit potential on the mound.
Returning to the Phillies with 37 games remaining in the regular season, Alvarado will likely see a lot of use out of the bullpen as a fresh arm with little wear on it. His suspension also renders him ineligible for the postseason, shortening his clock to these 37 games remaining.
Alvarado’s presence reinforces a bullpen that has struggled at times this season for the Phillies. With Jhoan Duran firmly planted as the closer, Alvarado will fill into some of the innings taken by the likes of Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, and Jordan Romano.
Hoffman Sent Down Ahead of Game Two
Reliever Nolan Hoffman was called in for a one-day Major League assignment on Monday, arriving in Philadelphia to replace Max Lazar on the active roster. The 28-year old allowed three runs on three hits in his Major League debut, pitching the ninth inning of the Phillies’ 12-7 victory over the Mariners.
Hoffman will now rejoin the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, who were off on Monday. Meanwhile the Phillies will continue their series against the Seattle Mariners as Cristopher Sánchez is scheduled to face off against right-hander Bryce Miller.
