Phillies’ closer José Alvarado suspended for 80 games
On May 18, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced that Philadelphia Phillies pitcher José Alvarado has received an 80-game suspension, without pay, after testing positive for exogenous Testosterone, a performance enhancing substance, in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Alvarado’s suspension is effective immediately.
Alvarado, perhaps the most popular closing pitcher for the Phillies amongst fans, is considered by many to be the team’s best closer. The Phillies’ Management, although supporting MLB’s decision, posted their disappointment to social media.
“It’s disappointing for sure,” Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Sunday morning at Citizens Bank Park. “There’s no question about that. We’ve had other issues come up at various times. I end up treating it like an injury because you need to replace somebody for 80 games and then hopefully into the postseason.”
Alvarado, who tested positive for exogenous testosterone, was unavailable to comment on Sunday. He had already left Philadelphia.
Alvarado’s agent declined to comment. ~ MLB.com
Alvarado’s 80-game suspension makes him ineligible for the playoffs. For more on his suspension, without pay, see the video accompanying this article.
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(Source: MLB)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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