Phillies’ Rob Thomson Offers 2-Word Jose Alvarado Update After Health Flag
CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 11: José Alvarado #46 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Sunday, May 11, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Sean Finucane/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Philadelphia Phillies will return next season with a team built on the same foundation that has been in place for years.
With Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler in the middle of ongoing contracts and with Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto now back on new ones, the Phillies’ chances of World Series contention count on virtually the same star core that has disappointed in consecutive runs.
But around the edges of the roster, there are some notable differences. Gold Glove contending outfielder Adolis Garcia has come aboard and veteran slugger Nick Castellanos has been released. The bullpen has a go-to closer and defined setup arms. And some highly touted prospects will see their debuts.
Philadelphia Phillies Face Crossroads With Jose Alvarado
The Phillies could also see a difference with reliever Jose Alvarado, who wasn’t eligible for the team’s playoff run last year after receiving an 80-game suspension for violating performance-enhance substance rules. His season ended with an injured list trip in September due to elbow inflammation.
“(In 2025) Alvarado had a 2.70 ERA with 25 strikeouts and only four walks in 20 innings before his mid-May suspension for exogenous testosterone, which Alvarado told the Phillies resulted from an unapproved weight-loss supplement he took,” Matt Gelb wrote for The Athletic.
“He allowed five runs (on three homers) in six innings upon his return.”
The Phillies decided to pick up a $9 million contract option for one more season and if Alvarado is able to reclaim his top form with health down the stretch, that would represent a bargain.
Philadelphia Phillies Manager Rob Thomson Responds To Jose Alvarado WBC Update
Given his health setback from last year, it was notable that Alvarado had been denied an expected spot on Team Venezuela for the World Baseball Classic.
“Jose Alvarado will not be able to participate in the World Baseball Classic,” Daniel Alvarez-Montes, a reporter for The Extrabaseposted on X. “He did not pass the insurance protocol.”
There are many reasons a player can be denied insurance to participate in the WBC tournament. But in response to the update, Phillies manager Rob Thomson sent a clear message about the reliever’s health:
“He’s fine,” Thomson clarified, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Lochlahn March.
“All I can tell you is what his health is with us,” the manager added, per March. “I don’t know what goes into the insurance thing, but he’s fine with us.”
As the Phillies look toward at least one more year of chasing the championship with a familiar group, Alvarado’s ability to stay healthy and effective after missing a large portion of last season will be scrutinized. And, given that it’s also the walk year of his contract, any potential flag matters just a bit more as well.
