José Alvarado
José Alvarado was one of the Phillies' most reliable relievers from April through June. The left-hander totaled a 0.90 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP in 11 April appearances. He finished with four saves in as many opportunities during the month.
The Maracaibo, Venezuela native had a solid May, finishing with a 2.13 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 13 appearances. Alvarado totaled four saves in five opportunities, 11 punchouts, and surrendered three earned runs and three walks.
Alvarado finished June with a 2.79 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP in 10 contests. He had three saves in four chances and 13 strikeouts. The 29-year-old allowed two walks and three earned runs in 9 2/3 innings. Based on how the rest of his season has gone, he has not looked like the same pitcher capable of pitching in high-leverage situations.
The reliever did not do well in July, totaling an 8.31 ERA and a 1.85 WHIP in 10 games. Alvarado had one save in two opportunities, surrendering eight earned runs, and five walks in the process. He tied his season-high for hits allowed during a month with 11.
Alvarado's struggles continued during August. He did not have a save opportunity for the first time in 2024. The left-hander compiled a 4.66 ERA and a 1.86 WHIP in 10 appearances. He surrendered five earned runs and eight walks along with seven strikeouts before being placed on the restricted list while he dealt with a personal situation involving his family. He returned to the Phillies only a few days later.
Thomson should not use Alvarado in high-leverage situations for the remainder of the regular season and during the playoffs. The reliever has proven unreliable over the last two months and the organization could seek to move on from him this offseason. He has a club option in 2026 but why should the team hold onto him for another year if he is not dependable in late innings of a game?