What's Happening?
Jose Alvarado, a reliever for the Philadelphia Phillies, is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh on Thursday night. Alvarado was suspended on May 18 for 80 games after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a performance-enhancing substance. With his suspension nearing its end, Alvarado is eligible to return to the Phillies on August 19. During his rehab assignment, he is expected to make several appearances with Triple-A Lehigh. Despite his return, Alvarado will not resume his role as the team's closer, as the Phillies have acquired Jhoan Duran before the trade deadline.
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Why It's Important?
The return of Jose Alvarado is significant for the Phillies as they approach the final stretch of the MLB season. While Alvarado will not reclaim his position as closer, his presence could bolster the team's bullpen depth, providing additional options for late-game situations. The acquisition of Jhoan Duran indicates the team's strategic planning to strengthen their pitching lineup, which could be crucial for their playoff aspirations. Alvarado's suspension and subsequent return highlight the ongoing challenges MLB faces with performance-enhancing substances, emphasizing the league's commitment to maintaining fair play.
What's Next?
As Alvarado begins his rehab assignment, the Phillies will monitor his performance closely to determine his readiness for rejoining the major league roster. The team will likely evaluate how Alvarado fits into their bullpen strategy, considering the recent addition of Jhoan Duran. The Phillies' management and coaching staff will need to make decisions regarding Alvarado's role and potential impact on the team's playoff push. Additionally, MLB's continued enforcement of substance regulations may lead to further scrutiny and adjustments in player management and team strategies.
