Venezuelan pitcher José Alvarado, one of the best relievers of the 2025 season, was suspended 80 games without pay by Major League Baseball(MLB) after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a substance banned by the league’s anti-doping program.
Jose Alvarado, who turns 30 this week, had been a key part of the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen, posting a 4-1 record, 2.70 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 20 innings. The suspension, officially announced Sunday by the commissioner’s office, means he will be ineligible for the postseason if the Phillies advance.
Team reactions
Through an official statement, the Phillies expressed their disappointment at the news.
They reiterated their full support for MLB’s doping prevention program.
The club’s president of baseball operations, David Dombrowski, explained that José Alvarado initially tested positive for a medication associated with weight loss.
Subsequently, he tested negative in other tests.
Team manager Rob Thomson likened the suspension to an unexpected injury:
“I see it as an injury. It’s out of our control. It’s unfortunate, but we have to move on.”
We have other good arms that can step up
Rob Thomson
Relief in the bullpen
Buzzy
In response to Jose Alvarado’s suspension, the Phillies activated fellow Venezuelan pitcher Jose Ruiz, who was coming off a minor league rehab assignment.
This season, Ruiz has pitched in 12 games with a 4.76 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 11.1 innings.
Ruiz is emerging as one of the options to fill the role of left-handed reliever in the absence of José Alvarado.
Just as the Phillies (27-18) are in the thick of the battle for the National League East Division lead, just 1.5 games behind the New York Mets (29-17).
Jose Alvarado’s suspension generates great attention in the U.S. Latino community.
Especially in Philadelphia, New York and Miami, where baseball has strong roots.
The case also opens debate about the care athletes should take with the supplements and medications they consume.
Even if they do not intentionally seek to dope.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
