Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado\u00a0apologized to teammates and supporters on Tuesday for an 80-game suspension after a performance-enhancing drug policy violation.<\/p>\n
The 30-year-old Venezuelan left-hander was issued the ban on May 18 after testing positive for exogenous testosterone and will be eligible to return to the Phillies on August 19.<\/p>\n
While he can pitch for the remainder of the regular season, Alvarado will not be eligible for the playoffs.<\/p>\n
“I am fully aware that using prohibited substances is wrong and I would never intend to do so because I’ve always had great respect for the game, my organization, my teammates and the fans, all of whom I want to offer my sincere apologies,” Alvarado wrote in an Instagram post. \u00a0<\/p>\n
“I made a mistake and therefore, I have faced the consequences set forth by MLB.<\/p>\n
“Going forward, my focus is on working hard to help the team win.”<\/p>\n
Alvarado also apologized to the city of Philadelphia and his homeland.<\/p>\n
“There is always a lesson to be learned in every mistake,” Alvarado wrote. “I am glad to be back and ready to support the team.”<\/p>\n
Alvarado, who will lose half of his original $9 million salary from this season due to the ban, pitched four seasons for Tampa Bay before being traded to the Phillies in December 2020.<\/p>\n
Before his suspension, Alvarado went 4-1 this season with seven saves and a 2.70 earned-run average plus 25 strikeouts with four walks in 20 innings for the Phillies.<\/p>\n
Philadelphia\u00a0has a 64-48 record to lead the National League East division by 1.5 games over the New York Mets.<\/p>\n
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