Inside The Mets

Mets NL East rival's star receives 80 game suspension for PEDS

The New York Mets NL East rival's most consistent relief pitcher received an 80 game suspension for a banned substance.

Pat Ragazzo

Apr 15, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado (46) reacts after recording a strikeout against the San Francisco Giants in the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. All players wore #42 for Jackie Robinson Day. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Apr 15, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado (46) reacts after recording a strikeout against the San Francisco Giants in the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. All players wore #42 for Jackie Robinson Day. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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The biggest threat to the New York Mets winning the National League East title just lost their best relief arm.

Philadelphia Phillies star left-handed reliever Jose Alvarado has received an 80 game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. Alvarado tested positive for exogenous testosterone and will be ineligible for the postseason should Philadelphia qualify.

"The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball's Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and are disappointed to hear today's news of Jose's violation," the Phillies said in a statement. Per Phillies head baseball decision maker Dave Dombrowski, Alvarado's failed test is being attributed to a weight loss drug.

The Phillies currently trail the Mets by 1.5 games in the division entering play on Sunday, and it will be a tough road ahead without their most consistent relief pitcher in Alvarado. The southpaw had a 2.70 ERA in 20 appearances and was 7-for-7 on save chances this season.

Bullpen has been the Phillies' biggest weakness in 2025 as they entered the day with the 24th ranked ERA in MLB. The Mets on the other hand have a 2.92 ERA as a unit. Regardless, both division rivals will be competing for relief help ahead of the trade deadline in July.

The Mets lost setup man A.J. Minter for the season due to a torn lat that required surgery. That said, they still have Edwin Diaz, Ryne Stanek, Reed Garrett and Huascar Brazoban, among others. The Phillies will now have to rely more on the likes of Matt Strahm and Jordan Romano in save opportunities for the time being.

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Pat Ragazzo
PAT RAGAZZO

Pat Ragazzo is the main publisher and reporter for the Mets On SI site. He has been covering the Mets since 2018. Pat was selected as The Top Reporter & Publisher of the Year 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. He has appeared on several major TV Networks including: NBC4, CBS2, FOX5, PIX11 and NY1; and is a recurring guest on ESPN New York 880 AM and WFAN Sports Radio 101.9 FM. Pat is also the Mets insider for Barstool Sports personality Frank "The Tank" Fleming’s podcast. You can follow him on Twitter/X and Instagram: @ragazzoreport.

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