Phillies suspend Jose Alvarado for 80 games

Philadelphia Phillies closer José Alvarado has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for external testosterone under Major League Baseball's drug-testing program.

Alvarado, among the hardest-throwing relievers, became the second player suspended this year under the major league's testing program after Atlanta outfielder Jurickson Profar.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said the positive result was caused by a weight-loss drug Alvarado took during the offseason.

Dombrowski said Alvarado accepted the suspension and will not appeal the decision.

“It’s not something he did knowingly,” Dombrowski said. “I believe it, based on the way he spoke to me.”

Unless games are rained out or rescheduled later in the season, Alvarado would be eligible to return on August 19 against Seattle.

Alvarado would lose $4.5 million of his contract, exactly half of his $9 million salary this year, as part of a three-year, $22 million contract. He would no longer be eligible for the postseason.

The Phillies' closing options include Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering.— AP