José Alvarado is just about ready to make his return to the mound for the Philadelphia Phillies after serving an 80-game suspension for failing a performance-enhancing drug test.
On Tuesday, two weeks out from when he can make his official return, Alvarado apologized for his suspension on social media.
“I am fully aware that using prohibited substances is wrong and I would never intend to do so because I have always had great respect for the game, my organization, my teammates and the fans, all of whom I want to offer my sincere apologies,” he wrote on Instagram, in part. “I made a mistake and therefore, I have faced the consequences set forth by MLB. Going forward, my focus is on working hard to help the team win.
“Once again, I offer my deepest apologies to the Phillies organization, my teammates, my family, my country Venezuela, the City of Philadelphia and the fans who have always supported me, especially the children and young people.”
Alvarado tested positive for exogenous testosterone and was suspended on May 18. The Phillies said the test was due to a weight loss drug he took in the offseason. As he’s a first-time offender under MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, he was hit with an 80-game suspension. A second violation would earn a 162-game suspension, and a third would result in a lifetime ban.
Alvarado is in his ninth season in the league this summer, and his fifth with the Phillies. He’s in the final year of a three-year deal he signed with the team in 2023, and he’s losing $4.5 million this season as a result of his suspension. The Phillies have a $9 million option on him in 2026.
Alvarado held a 2.70 ERA with seven saves and 25 strikeouts in 20 innings before his suspension. He is eligible to return on August 19, though he will be ineligible for the postseason.
The Phillies beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-0 on Tuesday, which pushed them to 65-48 on the season and extended their small lead over the New York Mets in the NL East standings. The franchise is attempting to reach the postseason for a fourth consecutive season, something they haven’t done in more than a decade.
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