Dave Dombrowski Expects Jose Alvarado to Help Phillies After Serving 80-Game PED Suspension
The Philadelphia Phillies are in the market for bullpen help, especially after the struggles of their current players. But, one of the main reasons why the team is in more desperate need of a reliever is due to the suspension of Jose Alvarado.
Advertisement
He was caught using PEDs and was suspended for 80 games and the 2025 postseason. However, despite his suspension, Phillies' president of baseball operations, in an article from Jayson Stark in The Athletic, expects Alvarado to make an impact to close out the regular season.
"Don't forget... on August 19th, we do get Jose Alvarado back for the rest of the regular season, too," Dombrowski said. "So he can help us win during the regular season, even though he won't be available in the postseason."
This plan to use Alvarado in the regular season is the first inclination of how the Phillies plan to use Alvarado after his suspension. In August, the Phillies will likely be in the middle of a tightly contested race for a postseason spot, whether it's atop the NL East or a Wild Card spot if things go wrong.
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado (46) pitches against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Citi Field.Brad Penner-Imagn Images
But, regardless of where the Phillies are, they will likely be vying for a better seed in the postseason. With the Phillies unable to use Alvarado come October, using him while they can in August and September isn't the worst idea.
Advertisement
Dombrowski plans to have Alvarado be a factor for the Phillies and contribute to the bullpen to close out the 2025 regular season. While he won't pitch in the postseason, his addition to the bullpen at the end of the year could be a difference maker in the team getting a better seed, or into the postseason altogether.
Before Alvarado was suspended, he had a 2.70 ERA and a 4-1 record over 20 innings of work. He had a great 25-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio, which was by far the best of his career. Getting a reliever like that to help end the year could be a huge addition when the Phillies need it most.
However, there's no guarantee he's as good as he was to begin the year. He'll have sat out 80 games and wouldn't have pitched since the middle of May. But knowing Alvarado is expected to return and make a difference at the end of the year is a comforting thought as a huge trade deadline approaches for the Phillies.
Related: Phillies' Dave Dombrowski Reveals Philadelphia's Trade Deadline Plans
Related: Former Phillies Veteran Announces Retirement from MLB
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 minutes ago
- Yahoo
'This is class': Tennis world in awe over de Minaur's gesture for shattered opponent
Alex de Minaur has blown the tennis world away with a beautiful gesture for his devastated opponent after the Washington final. De Minaur saved three championship points to win the 10th ATP title of his career on Sunday, prevailing 5-7 6-1 7-6 (3) against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Fokina was a shattered man after letting three championship points slip at 5-3 in the third - the third of which came when de Minaur produced some insane scramble to survive. The Spaniard has never won a title at ATP level, and has now fallen agonisingly short in two finals. Fokina was in tears after the final point and buried his face in his towel. De Minaur noticed how distraught his opponent was and immediately went to console him. The Aussie was seen sitting next to Fikona before wrapping an arm around his opponent and offering some words of encouragement. Tennis fans and commentators were blown away by de Minaur's gesture, which came before he'd celebrated the victory properly. He also offered some kind words for Fokina in his victory speech, saying: "You're way too good to not have one of these (trophies). It's coming for sure. You deserved it today. I just got lucky. You are a hell of a competitor and player. No one on the tour wants to play you. This is not the end. It's only going up for you." A classy gesture from Alex de Minaur 👏He consoles Davidovich Fokina after a heartbreaking final. 💔#MubadalaCitiDCOpen — Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) July 28, 2025 One person wrote on social media: "Hard not to feel for Alejandro Davidovich Fokina today and hard not to appreciate how kind this was of Alex De Minaur." Another commented: "I have a newfound respect for Alex De Minaur after he consoled Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. He is a remarkably humble individual." Alex de Minaur walks over & sits with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to console him after beating him in the Washington final. Heartbreaking match for Foki… he had 3 championship points to win his first is class… one of the moments of the year. ❤️ — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 28, 2025 Alex de Minaur joins Aussie legends with 10th career title De Minaur's triumph made him just the fourth Australian to record 10 career titles since the inception of the ATP Tour in 1990. The others are Pat Rafter, Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis. The Aussie has surged from 13th in the ATP rankings up to World No.8, and looks destined for an all-important top-eight seeding at the US Open. Before the tournament began, de Minaur said he was adamant he was at his 'peak' and big wins had to start coming. 'I've got the experience now. I've got the knowledge, the physicality side of things. Everything is just there for me to go out and perform,' he said. 'I can really have a swing these next three or four years and really show that I'm at my peak and break through some barriers.' RELATED: Jannik Sinner triumph could force Aussie coach to backflip on exit call Flood of support after tennis rocked by news about Wimbledon finalist With no rankings points to defend after Wimbledon because of a hip injury he suffered last year, the Aussie will only climb higher in the rankings before Flushing Meadows. The 26-year-old took a break after the French Open after feeling burnt out, and it appears to be working wonders. He lost in straight sets to Alexander Zverev in the Washington final in 2018, but is now the champion. The World No.8 has a tour-leading 22 hard-court wins on the season, and his 42 wins at ATP 500 level since the start of the 2023 season is the most by any player on tour. with AAP
Yahoo
4 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Mike Trout notches 1,000 RBIs, makes Angels history with home run vs. Mariners
Mike Trout continues to reach career milestones in his 15th year of his major leaguer career. Trout recorded his 1,000th career RBI with a 2-run home run in the Los Angeles Angels' 4-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, July 27, He became just the third Angel to get his first 1,000 RBIs entirely with the franchise, along with Garret Anderson and Tim Salmon. The three-time American League MVP sent a ball 443 feet into center field to increase the Angels' lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the 5th inning. Trout, who will turn 34 on Aug. 7, has produced 47 RBIs this season, the most he's had since 2022 after injury plagued seasons in 2023 and 2024. What is the next Mike Trout milestone? Trout is approaching 400 career home runs. He is currently at 397 after his home run on Sunday, July 27, The 11-time MLB All-Star has 19 home runs this season. When will Mike Trout play next? Trout and the Angels will remain at home in Anaheim, California, to start a 3-game series with the Texas Rangers on Monday, July 28. The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Trout homers, reaches 1,000 RBIs for Angels in win over Mariners
Yahoo
4 minutes ago
- Yahoo
30 Most Important Bears of 2025: Joe Thuney (No. 3)
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an exciting 2025 NFL season, which features some new faces within the organization poised to get the franchise back to its winning ways. That starts with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach, as well as overhauling the interior offensive line, adding pieces on defense and a potenital impactful rookie draft class. Every day from now right up through training camp, we're counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead to 2025 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year. Next up at No. 3 is left guard Joe Thuney, who will be a key role in shoring up Chicago's offensive line and protecting quarterback Caleb Williams. Background Position: Left guard Age: 32 Experience: 10th season 2025 cap hit: $8 million 2024 recap Thuney has established himself as one of the best guards in the NFL, and he showcased why last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, Thuney started all 17 games for the Chiefs. While he played primarily at left guard, he kicked over to left tackle for three contests as Kansas City dealt with injuries along the offensive line. Thuney once again served as key protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the Chiefs once again made a Super Bowl appearance. Thuney was named to the Pro Bowl and earned a First-Team All-Pro nod for his 2024 outing. 2025 outlook The Bears focused on overhauling the offensive line this offseason, including the additions of guard Jonah Jackson (via trade) and center Drew Dalman (in free agency). But their biggest addition was Thuney, who was acquired in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. Shortly after, Chicago signed him to a two-year, $35 million deal to keep him through 2027. Thuney has the potential to have the biggest impact given his resume and proven production. He's coming off an All-Pro season where he even kicked out to left tackle, but he thrived at left guard protecting Patrick Mahomes. Now, Thuney brings that experience, production and leadership to a revamped Chicago offensive line that will be crucial to quarterback Caleb Williams' success. And if rookie Ozzy Trapilo wins the starting left tackle job, Thuney will be even more crucial for Trapilo as he acclimates to the pro game. The Bears will only go as far as Williams takes them. And Williams will only go as far as his offensive line allows. Thuney will play an integral role in the offensive line's success. Big question: Can Thuney continue to be a top NFL guard in Chicago? The Bears invested a lot in Thuney -- a fourth round pick in 2026 and $33.5 million guaranteed -- so they're banking on him to serve an integral role along the offensive line. Thuney is a two-time First-Team All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler and four-time Super Bowl winner and one of the best guards in the entire NFL. Thuney's an elite pass blocker and has been the best pass-blocking guard, per Pro Football Focus, since 2021 with a 90.2 grade. But the question remains whether Thuney will continue that level of play outside of a winning organization like Kansas City. Chicago overhauled the entire interior offensive line, and Thuney will serve as an anchor in the trenches when it comes to protecting quarterback Caleb Williams. 30 Most Important Bears of 2025 #30 - RB Roschon Johnson #29 - QB Case Keenum #28 - K Cairo Santos #27 - DT Andrew Billings #26 - CB Tyrique Stevenson #25 - WR Luther Burden III #24 - RG Jonah Jackson #23 - LB Tremaine Edmunds #22 - DE Dayo Odeyingbo #21 - S Kevin Byard #20 - S Jaquan Brisker #19 - LB T.J. Edwards #18 - TE Cole Kmet #17 - DT Grady Jarrett #16 - DT Gervon Dexter #15 - RB D'Andre Swift #14 - TE Colston Loveland #13 - OT Ozzy Trapilo #12 - OT Braxton Jones #11 - WR DJ Moore #10 CB Kyler Gordon #9 - OT Darnell Wright #8 - DE Montez Sweat #7 - C Drew Dalman #6 - CB Jaylon Johnson #5 - WR Rome Odunze #4 - DC Dennis Allen #3 - LG Joe Thuney #2 - Coming 7/28 #1 - Coming 7/29 This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Most Important Bears of 2025: Joe Thuney (No. 3)
