Phillies

Jose Alvarado Issues Statement on PED Suspension

By Luke Arcaini

Published: Aug 5th, 2025 · 12:23 PM EDT

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Jose Alvarado was suspended for PEDs back on May 18th after reportedly taking a weight loss drug in the offseason.

The lefty Phillies reliever did not appeal the suspension, and has been back home in Venezuela. He’s now returned to Philadelphia, and he’ll be eligible to rejoin the major league roster on August 19th.

Here’s Alvarado’s statement, released on his Instagram this morning:

“May 18th was a very difficult day for me. That day, MLB announced the positive result of a doping test conducted in March 2025.

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.

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.

There is always a lesson to be learned in every mistake.

I thank God for giving me the strength to overcome this situation. I am glad to be back and ready to support the team.“

Rob Thomson said that Alvarado will go on a rehab assignment at some point after Tuesday. The Phillies don’t have Alvarado for the postseason, but they’ll be able to use him for the next month and a half to give guys like Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, and Tanner Banks a bit of a break.

Alvarado had seven saves with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP with 25 strikeouts before going on the restricted list.