The Philadelphia Phillies were dealt a significant blow over the weekend, losing a critical piece of their bullpen after reliever José Alvarado was suspended 80 games for violating MLB’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. The suspension effectively sidelines him for the remainder of the regular season and any potential postseason run, creating an urgent void in the Phillies’ pitching staff.
During NBC Sports Philadelphia’s pregame coverage, franchise icon and longtime analyst John Kruk didn’t mince words, publicly chastising Alvarado for his actions. Speaking candidly, Kruk called the move “selfish,” emphasizing the impact it could have on the team’s chances this season.
“If I was a teammate of José Alvarado, I would consider it a very selfish move on his part—putting the team at risk by knowing that if you got caught, you’d get hit with 80 games,” Kruk said during Sunday’s broadcast. “If I’m a player on this team right now, I don’t think I’d be real happy with him.”
Kruk’s pointed remarks echoed a sentiment likely shared, albeit privately, within the clubhouse. While no active players have publicly echoed his frustration, it’s clear the loss reverberates far beyond the bullpen. Alvarado, who had quietly been one of the Phillies’ most reliable arms with a 2.70 ERA across 20 innings this season, now leaves a gaping hole at the back end of a staff already in need of reinforcement.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Philadelphia. Already in the market for relief help, the club now faces increased pressure to add a high-leverage arm before the deadline. Internally, the burden will shift to left-hander Matt Strahm and recent acquisition Jordan Romano to shoulder more of the late-inning workload. But replacing Alvarado’s combination of velocity, deception, and postseason experience will be no easy task.
From the front office to the dugout, the ripple effects of Alvarado’s suspension are undeniable. Beyond the immediate implications, there’s the looming question of what kind of pitcher he’ll be when (or if) he returns next season. PED suspensions come with more than just lost games—they cast long shadows on reputations and future roles.
In a season where every arm counts and October aspirations hang in the balance, Alvarado’s absence might be felt not just on the field—but in the trust between teammates as well.