It has been a tough start to the 2026 season for Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado as he continues to try and shake off the rust from his suspension last year.
Through eight games this year, the left-handed reliever has allowed eight runs (seven earned) in just five innings as a late-innings option for the Phillies. His latest outing on Sunday was another rough one, as he recorded just one out while allowing two hits and two earned runs, suffering the loss in the process.
As it stands, he holds an ERA of 12.60, which is above and beyond the worst mark for a Phillies pitcher so far this year. Sunday marked the third game this season in which Alvarado has allowed multiple runs.
Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado running out of time to prove post-suspension reality isn't new norm
This continues a troubling trend for Alvarado dating back to last season, when he faltered in his return from an 80-game PED suspension after testing positive for taking exogenous testosterone. In just six innings after his return in 2025, he gave up five earned runs for an ERA of 7.50, which pales in comparison to his 2.70 mark before the suspension. Due to this ban, he was not eligible for the postseason and was shut down for the season on September 12 due to injury, less than one month after his return.
Over the course of his career in Philadelphia, Alvarado has typically been a reliable reliever for the Phillies, as he has compiled 37 saves since he joined the team in 2021 via trade from the Tampa Bay Rays. His best season came in 2023 when he pitched to a 1.74 ERA and racked up 10 saves in 42 outings. While he is no longer needed as the primary closer with the addition of Johan Duran, he was expected to be an asset for the club in high-leverage situations alongside Brad Keller and Orion Kerkering.
Ultimately, this is a prove-it year for Alvarado, who will be a free agent following the 2026 campaign after the team picked up his option for this year in November. If he can improve his performance the rest of the way, he could set himself up for a possible big payday this offseason, as relievers are always in demand on the free agent market. A performance improvement would be huge for the Phillies as well as the rest of the bullpen, which has been rock solid so far this season, in what is a much better group in 2026 than in previous seasons.