The Philadelphia Phillies are getting back a key member of their bullpen in time for the stretch run.
Left-hander Jose Alvarado was reinstated from the restricted list prior to Tuesdayâs game against the Seattle Mariners after serving an 80-game suspension for violating Major League Baseballâs Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program.
Alvarado â who remains ineligible to pitch in the postseason â was suspended in May after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a performance-enhancing substance.
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What Does Jose Alvaradoâs Return Mean for the Phillies?
The 30-year-old Alvarado was off to a strong start this season, recording a 2.70 ERA with 25 strikeouts compared to only four walks over his first 20 appearances. He was also 7-for-7 in save chances.
While Alvarado was handling the bulk of closing opportunities prior to getting suspended, that role is now commandeered by Jhoan Duran. The All-Star closer has thrown 4.2 scoreless innings and converted all six of his save opportunities since being acquired from the Minnesota Twins on July 30 for top 100 prospects Mick Abel and Eduardo Tait.
Last month, the Phillies also signed veteran David Robertson for his third stint with the club, adding him to a mix that includes Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm. Robertson, 40, has been eased in after a brief stint with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, pitching three scoreless innings.
Another late-inning option, Jordan Romano, has struggled with a 7.56 ERA. Romano has allowed six runs over his last 1.1 innings and was booed off the mound at Citizenâs Bank Park in Mondayâs 12-7 win over Seattle.
What Will Jose Alvaradoâs Role Be?
The Phillies have yet to decide what role Alvarado will slot back into.
âItâs just another high-leverage arm,â manager Rob Thomson said, via MLB.com. âIâm going to ease him â try to ease him, canât promise that. But yeah, just a great arm, a lot of energy. He brings a lot to the table in that clubhouse.â
Alvarado seems ready to pitch, no matter his role.
âI feel so good,â he said. âIâm happy to be back with my teammates.â
In a corresponding move, the Phillies optioned rookie Nolan Hoffman, who had been recalled on Monday and made his Major League debut.
Where Are the Phillies in the Standings?
Alvaradoâs return continues a busy week for the Phillies (72-53), who lead the NL East by 5.5 games.
Ace pitcher Zack Wheeler underwent surgery on Monday to remove a blood clot near his right shoulder. The Phillies have not provided a timetable for Wheelerâs return.
One of baseballâs best pitchers, Wheeler is 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA in 149.2 innings. His 195 strikeouts lead the NL and are second in the majors behind Garrett Crochet (196).
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