Phillies Pitcher José Alvarado Suspended for Steroid Use

[Kayce]

MLB Suspends José Alvarado for 80 Games Following Positive Steroid Test​

Philadelphia Phillies closer José Alvarado has been handed an 80-game suspension without pay by Major League Baseball after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a banned performance-enhancing drug (PED) under the MLB Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension was confirmed just days after his May 16 outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he secured a high-pressure save.

Alvarado will miss the remainder of the 2025 regular season and is ineligible for the postseason, should the Phillies qualify. This disciplinary action underscores the league’s strict policy against PED use and raises fresh questions about enforcement and accountability in professional baseball.

Performance Before Suspension: Alvarado’s 2025 Season Breakdown​

Despite the looming scandal, José Alvarado was statistically having one of his most efficient seasons as the Phillies’ closer:

• Record: 4-1
• Saves: 7-for-7
• ERA: 2.70 over 20.0 innings
• Strikeouts: 25
• Walks: 4
• Opponent BA: .253

Alvarado’s consistency out of the bullpen played a pivotal role in maintaining late-game leads, most notably his clutch appearance against the Pirates on May 16 at Citizens Bank Park. Entering the ninth with the bases loaded, he struck out Oneil Cruz and forced Andrew McCutchen into a game-ending groundout, notching the save in an 8-4 Phillies win.

José Alvarado’s Career Highlights and PED Controversy​

Alvarado, a Venezuelan left-hander, has built a respected reputation in both the regular season and postseason. His recent suspension now casts a shadow over what had been a steady rise:

Career Stats Summary​

Team	Years	Games	ERA	IP	K	BB	Saves
Tampa Bay Rays	2017-2020	149	3.46	132.2	161	71	15
Philadelphia Phillies	2021-2025	202	3.37	229.2	301	121	37

Postseason Dominance​

• 2022 Playoffs: 12 games, World Series appearance, 1.93 ERA
• 2023 Playoffs: 8 games, 1.13 ERA over 8.0 innings

His 2023 regular season was arguably his best to date, where he delivered a 1.74 ERA over 41.1 innings, allowed just 15 earned runs, and held opposing hitters to a .196 average.

Implications for the Phillies and the MLB​

The suspension is a blow to the Phillies' bullpen depth, especially during a tightly contested National League playoff race. Without their veteran closer, the team will now have to reshuffle its late-inning strategy.

For Major League Baseball, this case reinforces ongoing scrutiny of the league’s drug testing efficacy and PED transparency. Despite advancements, incidents like Alvarado’s show that performance-enhancing drugs remain a present danger in the sport.

The Pirates’ Perspective: Facing a Banned Arm​

The Pittsburgh Pirates, unaware they were facing a soon-to-be suspended pitcher, struggled in their matchup. Alvarado’s dominant save against them came under PED-enhanced conditions, raising ethical concerns about game integrity and competitive fairness.

The Pirates, who are fighting to rebound from the series losses, were put in a tough spot—highlighting how PED use disrupts not only league policy but team morale and fair competition.

What’s Next for Alvarado?​

Alvarado's return to the mound is uncertain. While he is eligible to play again in 2026, his suspension will follow him in reputation. Teams and fans alike will question the authenticity of his past achievements, especially given his late-inning dominance that may now be attributed to performance-enhancing substances.

His future will depend on:

• Rehabilitation and clean testing history
• League and team willingness to trust again
• Personal accountability and public response

 

[MindlessWork]

I'm sure that the leagues at some point will let gear use slide. Give it time!

 

[Legit]

They really should.

 

[MindlessWork]

They really should.

Then maybe the Olympics as well.

 

[KaiGold]

What I put in my body should be my choice.