Phillies closer Jose Alvarado suspended 80 games

Field Level Media|published: 05/18/2025, 12:27pm EDT

Apr 17, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado (46) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Philadelphia Phillies closer Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games by the MLB commissioner's office on Sunday after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

The substance, exogenous testosterone, is not produced naturally by the male body.

The team issued a brief statement in Sunday.

"The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball's Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and are disappointed to hear today's news of Jose's violation," the team said.

Alvarado, whose suspension without pay takes effect immediately, leads the Phillies in saves (seven) and holds (five), though Jordan Romano also has seen time in the closer role. The left-hander, who turns 30 on Wednesday, is 4-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 20 appearances this season. He has 25 strikeouts versus four walks over 20 innings.

According to Baseball Savant, the average velocity on Alvarado's sinker has increased from 97.8 mph in 2024 to 99.3 this season. His cutter has spiked from 92.5 to 93.7 mph and his rarely used four-seam fastball has jumped from 96.8 to 99.6.

--Field Level Media