PHILADELPHIA — José Alvarado’s locker inside the Phillies’ home clubhouse had been cleared of all gloves and cleats by the time the news of his suspension broke on the morning of May 18. The reliever had tested positive for a banned substance, so he was penalized for 80 regular-season games.
That stretch will end on Aug. 19, when Alvarado is eligible to return for the Phillies to conclude the year. However, he will not be permitted to participate in the postseason if Philadelphia qualifies. Still, the hard-throwing left-hander can contribute down the stretch, so he’ll head back to Citizens Bank Park to start the return process.