PHILADELPHIA — Manager Rob Thomson addressed the Phillies roster in the home clubhouse at 11:30 a.m. to deliver the news of the morning: left-hander José Alvarado, the team’s best reliever, was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Additionally, he will not be eligible for postseason competition, should the club qualify.
On a hectic Sunday morning for the organization, Thomson noticed that Mick Abel, up with the Phillies for his major-league debut in a spot start, looked calm as the manager spoke to the players. The 23-year-old’s poise continued as he tossed six shutout innings, outdueling phenom Paul Skenes and the Pirates in a 1-0 win at Citizens Bank Park.