Phillies Bullpen News – José Alvarado Suspended 80 Games, Ineligible for 2025 MLB Postseason

Phillies Bullpen News - José Alvarado Suspended 80 Games, Ineligible for 2025 MLB Postseason. Here's how it impacts the team’s bullpen - Philadelphia Phillies’ relief pitcher José Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for exogenous testosterone — a banned performance-enhancing substance. The suspension not only sidelines one of the team’s top bullpen arms for most of the season but also makes Alvarado ineligible for the 2025 postseason, dealing a major blow to the team’s World Series aspirations.

1. What Is Exogenous Testosterone?

Exogenous testosterone refers to testosterone introduced from outside the body, as opposed to endogenous testosterone naturally produced within. As a key steroid hormone and primary androgen in males, testosterone plays a vital role in reproductive function, muscle and bone development, and various behavioral traits.

Athletes often use synthetic testosterone to boost performance by increasing muscle mass, strength, and recovery speed. However, this use suppresses the body’s natural testosterone production by inhibiting the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Major League Baseball detects testosterone doping by measuring the ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone (T/E ratio). In men, this is typically around 1:1. When the ratio exceeds 4:1, it raises red flags for potential doping. More advanced carbon isotope ratio testing can confirm synthetic testosterone, as lab-made testosterone has slightly different isotope patterns than natural testosterone.

Some athletes attempt to use fast-acting forms of testosterone to avoid detection, which is why scandals like Biogenesis were uncovered through investigations rather than standard testing.

Common side effects of exogenous testosterone use include:

• Infertility (often reversible)

• Testicular shrinkage

• Increased risk of cardiovascular events

• High blood pressure

• Prostate issues

In men, exogenous testosterone heavily suppresses natural hormone production. In women, it adds to existing hormone levels without the same level of suppression.

MLB’s testing program now includes Athlete Biological Passport methods, monitoring each player’s hormonal profile over time to detect suspicious fluctuations.

2. Phillies' Options to Replace Alvarado

With Alvarado suspended and ruled out for the postseason, the Phillies will need to explore multiple options to fill a critical bullpen void. Internally, Matt Strahm is expected to take on a more prominent role as the primary left-handed reliever. Meanwhile, Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering will need to step up in high-leverage situations despite early-season struggles.

From Triple-A, the Phillies may consider promoting options like Koyo Aoyagi, Brett de Geus (who boasts a sub-2.00 ERA in Lehigh Valley), Nabil Crismatt, and Seth Johnson. José Ruiz, having completed his rehab assignment, also adds veteran depth.

On the trade market, several targets are emerging:

• Dennis Santana (Pirates): 1.96 ERA over 18.1 innings, likely affordable.

• Kyle Finnegan (Nationals) and Kenley Jansen (Angels): Experienced closers with postseason pedigrees.

• David Robertson (free agent): Former Phillie with two previous stints in Philadelphia; discussions remain preliminary.

Given President Dave Dombrowski’s track record of bolstering pitching at the trade deadline over the past three seasons, the Phillies are widely expected to seek reinforcements.

3. MLB Postseason Eligibility Rules and PED Suspensions

MLB has strict postseason eligibility rules for players suspended due to performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Any player suspended for PEDs in a given season is automatically ineligible for that year’s postseason, even if the suspension ends before October.

This rule, introduced in 2014 under MLB’s Joint Drug Agreement, is the reason Alvarado cannot be included on the Phillies’ postseason roster, regardless of whether he returns for the final weeks of the regular season.

It’s important to note this postseason ban is an additional penalty — separate from the 80-game suspension — leading some to consider it a quirk in the collective bargaining agreement. To be postseason-eligible, players must be on a team’s 40-man roster or 60-day injured list by August 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET. However, this does not apply to suspended players, even if they otherwise meet the criteria.

Teams may petition the Commissioner’s Office to replace injured players during the postseason, but such exceptions do not apply to those suspended for PEDs.

4. How PED Rules Impact Suspended Players Like Alvarado

Players suspended for PED use, such as José Alvarado, face not only a loss of regular-season games and salary but also an automatic postseason ban for that year. MLB’s rules clearly prohibit any player who tests positive for PEDs during a season from participating in that year’s playoffs — regardless of whether the suspension is completed before the postseason begins.

This policy, part of MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, aims to impose a harsher consequence beyond lost games and pay. While some critics argue that the postseason ban is disproportionate — especially compared to suspensions for other violations like domestic violence — the rule remains strictly enforced.

In Alvarado’s case, though he will be eligible to return by mid-August, the Phillies will not be able to add him to their playoff roster if they make the postseason. Additionally, MLB rules bar suspended players from being petitioned onto the postseason roster — unlike injured players, who may be replaced with Commissioner approval.

In summary, Alvarado’s suspension for using exogenous testosterone not only sidelines him for 80 games but also excludes him from the postseason entirely. It’s a dual penalty that impacts both the player's career and the Phillies’ playoff strategy, removing a vital bullpen piece during a critical year.