The Phillies were hit hard in the cattle barn and Alvarado tested positive for drugs and was banned for 80 games

The Phillies Bullpen was hit Sunday when Major League Baseball officially announced that José Alvarado will receive an 80-game unpaid ban for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs (PEDs).

The ban will leave Alvarado out of the playoffs.

"It's certainly disappointing," Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations for the Phillies baseball, said at Citizens Bank Park, "and there's no doubt about it." We need to deal with it like we do with injuries – we have to find a replacement to fill the 80-game gap and look forward to returning for the playoffs. "

Alvarado was suspended for testing positive for exogenous testosterone and left Philadelphia on Sunday without an interview. His agent declined to comment.

"We've got to look forward," said head coach Rob Thomson, "but there's still enough power in the squad to fill the void." "

For the Phillies who are aiming for the World Series, the loss of the most consistent bullpen left pitcher of the season (4-1 in 20 games, 2.70 defense rate, 7 rescues) was a major blow. According to FanGraphs, Alvarado is tied for third among rescue pitchers with 0.8 win contribution points.

"I've been in a situation where players have been injured and still won championships," Donbrowski said, "it's not ideal, but you have to face it. "

The Phillies immediately activated right-hand shooter José Ruiz from the 15-day injury list to fill the 26-man roster. There will be a change after Sunday: No. 8 rookie Mick Abel will be dropping a 3A after his major league debut.

In the short term, the bullshed will rely more on right-handed Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering and left-handed Matt Strahm. Finding top-tier backing before the trade deadline is a top priority.

"It's going to make the negotiation harder," Bryce Harper admits, "and the teams know we need reinforcements urgently, but Donbrowski is good at equivalent trades." "

The team has denied plans to move left-handed Ranger Suárez or number one rookie Andrew Painter to the bullshed, but could change lineup in the playoffs to consider the likes of Fireball left-hander Cristopher Sánchez or Abel.

Donbrowski revealed that Alvarado had previously tested negative for two previous drug tests, but ultimately accepted the ban without appealing. The ban stemmed from a positive result from the weight loss product he was taking.

"He's always worried about his weight," Donbrowski explained, "but the players have to be responsible for what they ingest. The drug testing system is extremely demanding. "

Alvarado, who is in the final year of his three-year, $22 million contract, has a $9 million team option in 2026. The left-handed shooter, who had lost weight, is now facing a turning point in his career.

"There will be thorns on the road to victory," Donbrowski concluded, "and the only way to overcome adversity is to be champions." "