The Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen got a major upgrade at the MLB trade deadline with the addition of All-Star closer Jhoan Duran, giving manager Rob Thomson another top-tier option alongside Jordan Romano and others. But Duran might not be the only key reinforcement arriving before the season ends.
José Alvarado has been sidelined since mid-May after receiving an 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy. While Thomson has managed without him, getting the left-hander back would be a major boost. Thankfully for Philadelphia, Alvarado is eligible to return on August 19.
According to Phillies beat writer Matt Gelb, Alvarado will have a check-in with the team early next week before beginning a rehab stint in the minors. The coaching staff wants to ensure he’s fully ready before stepping back onto the mound.
Before his suspension, Alvarado served as Thomson’s secondary setup man behind Matt Strahm. With Duran now in the mix, his role may be reduced, but his return still adds valuable depth and a much-needed left-handed presence to the bullpen.
Duran looked sharp in his Phillies debut, and along with Romano and Strahm, is expected to handle most high-leverage situations. Still, Alvarado’s presence could make a significant difference for a bullpen that’s missed his contributions all season.
As the Phillies aim to widen the gap over the New York Mets in the NL East, having all hands on deck is critical — and that includes Alvarado. While his suspension disappointed fans, his return could play a pivotal role in how far the team advances this postseason.
