Phillies’ Alvarado Out for Season with Forearm Injury
URGENT UPDATE: The Philadelphia Phillies have just announced that relief pitcher Jose Alvarado will miss the rest of the 2023 season due to a left forearm strain. He has been placed on the 15-day Injured List as of today, sending shockwaves through the Phillies’ bullpen and raising concerns about their postseason plans.
Alvarado, who had a record of 4-2 with a 3.81 ERA in 26 innings pitched this season, has been a critical part of the team’s success. However, this injury means he will be ineligible for the postseason, a significant blow as the Phillies aim for a deep playoff run.
The news comes just weeks after Alvarado served an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, which he attributed to a weight-loss drug taken during the offseason. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski confirmed that the positive test stemmed from this medication, shedding light on Alvarado’s tumultuous season.
Despite being sidelined, Alvarado made a remarkable impact on the team before his suspension, sporting a 2.70 ERA and seven saves, often serving as the closer. Since then, the Phillies have acquired Jhoan Duran from Minnesota, who has excelled in the closing role, alleviating some immediate pressure from Alvarado’s absence.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson described Alvarado’s injury as “pretty mild, but enough to put him on the IL,” indicating the team’s focus is now on his recovery for next year. The Phillies hold a $9 million club option on Alvarado for 2026, which includes a $500,000 buyout if they choose not to re-sign him.
As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching how the Phillies adapt to the loss of Alvarado and whether they can maintain their momentum heading into the postseason. With the MLB playoffs approaching, the team will need to pivot quickly to ensure they remain competitive without one of their key pitchers.
Stay tuned for further updates on Alvarado’s condition and the Phillies’ strategies moving forward.
