Breaking: Phillies Closer Jose Alvarado Hit With Massive Suspension

Brutal news for the Philadelphia Phillies, as they've learned that closer Jose Alvarado has been handed an 80-game suspension for PED use, which makes him ineligible for the postseason this year.

Jose Alvarado receives an 80-game PED suspension without pay and will be ineligible for Postseason if Phillies reach.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 18, 2025

The reliever tested positive for exogenous Testosterone.

Alvarado has seven saves and a 2.70 ERA with a ridiculous 25:4 strikeout to walk ratio in 20 innings.

The team released a statement:

“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.”

For now, it's expected that Jordan Romano would take over the closer's job, as he does have seven consecutive scoreless appearances, and three saves in that stretch. He's seemed to find himself after a tough start to the season in his first year with the Phillies.