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Phillies reliever Alvarado suspended for positive test / Photo: Emilee Chinn - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
Phillies reliever Alvarado suspended for positive test
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jose Alvarado has been handed an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance, Major League Baseball said Sunday.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's office said the Venezuelan reliever had tested positive for exogenous testosterone. Alvarado's suspension is effective immediately.
The Phillies said in a statement they supported the MLB's suspension, expressing "disappointment" at Alvarado's positive test.
"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.
Alvarado has been one of Philadelphia's best relievers this season and is 4-1 with seven saves and a 2.70 earned run average from 20 games.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Sunday the club would quickly move on without Alvarado, who will also be ineligible for the postseason in addition to the 80 regular games he is suspended for.
"I really sort of look at it like an injury," Thomson said. "It's really out of our control. It's too bad. But we've got to move on. We have really good pieces here that can pick up the slack."
L.Mitchell--SMC
