Former MLB GM Jim Bowden urges the Philadelphia Phillies not to pick up Jose Alvarado's $9 million 2026 option amid his 80-game suspension for PEDs.

The Philadelphia Phillies recently were dealt a heavy blow. José Alvarado was suspended for 80 games after failing a performance-enhancing drug test. The Phillies' bullpen already was in question and now they will lose Alvarado for 80 games and he won't be eligible for the postseason.

Orion Kerkering and Taijuan Walker were cruising comfortably below the radar. Their performances on the mound ranged from remarkable to ordinary to completely unacceptable. The general success of the Phillies,

Alvarado, soon to turn 30, had pitched to a 2.70 ERA (159 ERA+) and a 6.25 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 20 appearances. He had saved seven games, including in his most recent appearance against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. For his career, he's in possession of a 123 ERA+.

Alvarado’s suspension and unavailability for October all but guarantee that Dombrowski will swing a deal for a reliever at the trade deadline.