Milestones, momentum—and now, a major obstacle. May has been anything but ordinary for the Phillies.
The month’s high points have been defined by standout performances—none bigger than Bryce Harper’s latest milestone. During last Friday’s 8–4 comeback win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, Harper joined one of baseball’s most exclusive clubs. With his 1,000th and 1,001st career RBIs, the 32-year-old became just the 14th player in MLB history to record at least 1,000 RBIs, 1,000 runs scored, and 1,000 walks before turning 33. As reported by MLB.com, some of the players who previously reached the milestone include Hall of Famers Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Frank Thomas, and Jim Thome. It’s a rare distinction that places Harper among the game’s all-time greats.
The following day, Zack Wheeler added a personal milestone of his own. The right-hander notched the 1,700th strikeout of his career by fanning Pirates leadoff hitter Oneil Cruz for the first out of Saturday’s game. The milestone came during another dominant performance from the veteran, who went six innings, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out six.
Meanwhile, Kyle Schwarber continues to chase history of his own. He has already launched 15 home runs this season, tying him for second in the majors with two-time AL MVP Aaron Judge. With his next blast, Schwarber will join a select group of sluggers by reaching the 300-home-run milestone.
However, amid the recent string of celebrations for the hometown Phillies, a potentially season-altering setback emerged late Sunday morning. MLB’s Commissioner’s Office announced that left-handed reliever José Alvarado has been suspended 80 games without pay after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a banned performance-enhancing substance and a violation of the league’s drug policy.
Under MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, an 80-game suspension is the standard penalty for a first-time offense. A second violation carries a 162-game suspension, while a third results in a lifetime ban from the sport.
Perhaps the most significant consequence of Alvarado’s suspension isn’t just the 80 regular-season games he’ll miss—he’s eligible to return on August 19—but the fact that, under league rules, he will also be ineligible to pitch in the postseason. It’s a significant setback for the Phillies and their fanbase. For a team with World Series aspirations—just 1 game behind the New York Mets in the NL East—the loss casts a long shadow over what has otherwise been a promising season.
Alvarado, now in his fifth season with the Phillies, has been a dominant presence out of the bullpen this year. He leads the team with seven saves and holds a 4–1 record with a 2.70 ERA over 20 appearances. In 20 innings pitched, he has recorded 25 strikeouts against just four walks. His four-seam fastball averages 99.6 mph—ranking fifth among pitchers who have thrown at least 250 pitches this season. In what has otherwise been a struggling bullpen, Alvarado has stood out as a bright spot. Entering Sunday, the Phillies’ 4.66 ERA from relievers ranks as the seventh-worst in Major League Baseball.
Following the announcement of Alvarado’s suspension, the Phillies released the following statement: “The Phillies fully support Major League Baseball’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and are disappointed to hear today’s news of José’s violation.”
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski addressed the suspension Sunday from Citizens Bank Park, stating, “It’s disappointing for sure. There’s no question about that. We’ve had other issues come up at various times. I end up treating it like an injury because you need to replace somebody for 80 games and then hopefully into the postseason.”
Dombrowski noted that the positive test stemmed from a weight-loss drug Alvarado took during the offseason. “It’s not something he did knowingly. I believe that, the way he talked to me,” he added.
Manager Rob Thomson also weighed in, saying, “It’s too bad, but we’ve got to move on. We have really good pieces here that can pick up the slack.”
Alvarado did not speak to the media following MLB’s announcement, having already departed Philadelphia.
Now in his fifth season with the Phillies, Alvarado, 29, will forfeit $4.5 million as a result of the suspension. He’s in the final year of a three-year, $22 million contract signed in 2023, which includes a $9 million club option for 2026 or a $500,000 buyout. The suspension adds another layer of complexity to the Phillies’ offseason decisions.
With the trade deadline roughly 10 weeks away, questions are already emerging about whether the Phillies will seek to add a proven, late-inning arm to their bullpen. When asked how Alvarado’s suspension might impact the team’s approach at the deadline, Dombrowski responded, “I can’t even answer that yet. That’s still a while away.”
In the immediate aftermath of Alvarado’s suspension, the Phillies will be counting more on Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering, and left-hander Matt Strahm to stabilize the bullpen. Kerkering has struggled to replicate last year’s success, posting a 4.08 ERA—up from 2.29 a season ago. Romano, signed as a free agent this past offseason, owns a 7.27 ERA through 19 games but has converted five saves and has strung together eight consecutive scoreless appearances. His recent performances suggests he’s turning a corner.
The Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the Pirates on Sunday and will open a four-game series against the Rockies in Colorado beginning Monday, May 19.
In a month thus far defined by both milestones and missteps, the Phillies’ resilience—and especially their bullpen—will now be tested as the season grinds forward.
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