Assuming the Philadelphia Phillies intend on reaching their second World Series in four years, they’ll need to win the pennant without veteran closer José Alvarado.
Although Alvarado can return from his 80-game PED suspension in late August, he can’t pitch during the playoffs. MLB rules prevent players from participating in the postseason during the same season they’re punished for a positive drug test.
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Alvarado’s absence is a major blow to the Phillies bullpen, though it’s one that Los Angeles Angels closer Kenley Jansen could solve if given the chance.
MLB insider Mark Feinsand suggested the Phillies pursue Jansen, a four-time All-Star with 456 career saves, in the coming weeks. The 37-year-old Jansen entered Tuesday with nine saves and a 5.02 ERA in 14.1 innings.
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kenley JansenJayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Alvarado, who turns 30 on Wednesday, recorded seven saves, a 2.70 ERA, and a 25-4 K-BB ratio in 20 innings. It is unclear if he will immediately resume closer duties when his suspension ends.
“But Los Angeles is still within 4 1/2 games of a Wild Card spot, making it unlikely the Angels would begin selling now,” Feinsand added.
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The Angels might not sell now, but they’ll likely start taking calls in the coming weeks. Ron Washington’s club is 21-25 and likely headed for a 10th consecutive losing season, especially with three-time MVP Mike Trout still recovering from another knee injury.
Jansen shouldn’t cost much, given his age and contract status. Few, if any, teams will trade a top-20 prospect for an aging reliever on a one-year, $10 million deal.
Perhaps most importantly, Jansen owns a 2.20 ERA, 20 saves, and a stellar 94-18 K-BB ratio across 65.1 postseason innings.
“So it’s not just about the 162; they’ll need to figure out the bigger picture if they get in,” an NL executive told Feinsand. “That puts even more pressure on them to do something in the near term.”
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