It was far from the biggest news on a day when Zack Wheeler underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot in his right upper extremity, but José Alvarado was back in the Phillies’ clubhouse Monday afternoon.
The Phils’ series opener against the Mariners is the 80th and final regular-season game of Alvarado’s PED suspension. He will, of course, be barred from pitching in the playoffs.
The Phillies will activate Alvarado on Tuesday but he won’t immediately slot back into high-leverage work. Manager Rob Thomson said he’ll try to ease the lefty in. Still, that softer landing spot could occur at a key point in the game against a left-handed section even if it’s the sixth inning.