Phillies' Jose Alvarado sorry as he nears return from 80-game ban

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado apologized to his team and its fans Tuesday as he nears his return from an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Alvarado wrote on Instagram that he did not intend to take a banned substance and is "fully aware that using prohibited substances is wrong."

"I made a mistake and therefore, I have faced the consequences set forth by MLB," he wrote. "Going forward, my focus is on working hard to help the team win."

Alvarado was suspended on May 18 after he tested positive for exogenous testosterone. The left-hander is eligible to return to the Phillies on Aug. 19, however he is not eligible to pitch in the playoffs.

"Once again, I offer my deepest apologies to the Phillies organization, my teammates, my family, my country Venezuela, the City of Philadelphia and the fans who have always supported me, especially the children and young people," Alvarado said.

"There is always a lesson to be learned in every mistake."

Alvarado, 30, is 4-1 with seven saves and a 2.70 ERA in 20 relief appearances this season. He has 25 strikeouts versus four walks over 20 innings.

Alvarado is 19-26 with 52 saves and a 3.40 ERA in 400 career games (one start) with the Tampa Bay Rays (2017-20) and Phillies.

The Phillies (64-48) entered play on Tuesday holding a 1 1/2-game lead over the second-place New York Mets (63-50) in the National League East.

Philadelphia acquired closer Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins prior to the trade deadline last week. The right-hander recorded saves in each of his first two appearances with his new team.

--Field Level Media