Washington (AFP) – Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado apologized to teammates and supporters on Tuesday for an 80-game suspension after a performance-enhancing drug policy violation. The 30-year-old Venezuelan left-hander was issued the ban on May 18 after testing positive for exogenous testosterone and will be eligible to return to the Phillies on August 19.
While he can pitch for the remainder of the regular season, Alvarado will not be eligible for the playoffs. “I am fully aware that using prohibited substances is wrong and I would never intend to do so because I’ve always had great respect for the game, my organization, my teammates and the fans, all of whom I want to offer my sincere apologies,” Alvarado wrote in an Instagram post. “I made a mistake and therefore, I have faced the consequences set forth by MLB.”
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Going forward, my focus is on working hard to help the team win. Alvarado also apologized to the city of Philadelphia and his homeland. “There is always a lesson to be learned in every mistake,” Alvarado wrote. “I am glad to be back and ready to support the team.”
Alvarado, who will lose half of his original $9 million salary from this season due to the ban, pitched four seasons for Tampa Bay before being traded to the Phillies in December 2020. Before his suspension, Alvarado went 4-1 this season with seven saves and a 2.70 earned-run average plus 25 strikeouts with four walks in 20 innings for the Phillies.
Philadelphia has a 64-48 record to lead the National League East division by 1.5 games over the New York Mets.
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