Phillies' Jose Alvarado Apologizes for 80-Game PED Suspension Ahead of MLB Return
Two weeks ahead of his 80-game suspension coming to an end, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher José Alvarado has issued a statement apologizing for his performance-enhancing drug usage.
In the statement released to reporters, Alvarado acknowledged he "made a mistake" and offered his "deepest apologies" to the organization, fans and city of Philadelphia.
MLB announced Alvarado's 80-game suspension without pay on May 18 for violating the league's policy on PED usage. He tested positive for exogenous Testosterone.
League rules also stipulate that a player who is suspended for PED usage during the season can't take part in the postseason if the team makes it.
Tuesday marks Alvarado's first day back with the Phillies since his suspension, but he's not yet eligible to appear in games. The left-hander is permitted to start a rehab assignment, giving him time to ramp up before he can be activated on Aug. 19.
Alvarado was off to a terrific start this season prior to his suspension. The 30-year-old had a 2.70 ERA, 25 strikeouts and seven saves in 20 appearances.
After Alvarado's suspension, the Phillies used a closer-by-committee approach at the end of games. Jordan Romano struggled in early June, leading to Matt Straham taking over the ninth inning. They had a total of eight players record at least one save in the first four months of the regular season.
The acquisition of Jhoan Durán in a trade with the Minnesota Twins on July 30 has stabilized the bullpen. Durán will cover the ninth inning, allowing manager Rob Thomson to mix and match his other relievers over the final two months of the regular season.
Alvarado's return will add another high-ceiling arm to that group as the Phillies look to create some breathing room in their race with the New York Mets for the top spot in the division.
The Phillies lead the Mets by 1.5 games in the NL East entering play on Tuesday. Those two teams have seven head-to-head matchups remaining in the regular season, starting with a three-game series at Citi Field from Aug. 25-27.
