Morning Briefing: Phillies’ Alvarado Suspended 80 Games

Good morning, Mets fans!

Significant MLB news came on Sunday, but it wasn’t directly Mets-related. Major League Baseball served Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado an 80-game suspension for PEDs, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported.

In a statement on Sunday, MLB said that Alvarado tested positive for exogenous testosterone, which is a performance-enhancing substance.

Equally as notable, Alvarado will be ineligible for the postseason if the Phillies were to reach. The Phillies are 28-18, half a game back of the Mets for the NL East crown. The Phillies have made the postseason each of the last three years, and are widely expected to return this season.

If they do, they will be doing so without one of their key relievers. Alvarado was on pace to have a career year, with a 0.8 bWAR through 20 IP. The hard-throwing left-handed pitcher had a 2.70 ERA with 25 strikeouts, four walks and seven saves thus far.

Alvarado will be suspended without pay, forfeiting $4.5 million of his $9 million salary.

Latest Mets News

The Mets lost a gut-wrenching game to the Yankees on Sunday night. It was a tight affair early, with both Max Fried and David Peterson having successful six-inning outings. It was a 2-2 game in the bottom of the eighth, before an errant throw from Pete Alonso over Francisco Alvarez‘s head opened the floodgates. Jasson Dominquez scored on that Alonso throwing error, and the Yankees scored five more runs, capped off by a Cody Bellinger grand slam. The game would end 8-2 in favor of the Bronx Bombers. A tough series series to drop for the Mets, with both teams playing some good baseball over the weekend.

The Mets will hit the road and prepare to face off against the Red Sox in a thrree-game series starting on Monday. Kodai Senga is projected to get the start against Hunter Dobbins. First pitch will be at 6:45 p.m.

Latest MLB News

Eleven-year MLB veteran Kolten Wong announced his retirement from professional baseball. Brian McInnis of Spectrum News reported the story, after Wong made the announced at the University of Hawaii, his alma mater, before their baseball team faced off against UC San Diego.

Wong finished third in Rookie of the Year voting back in 2014 for the St. Louis Cardinals, and won two Gold Gloves later in his career. In his announcement, Wong noted that he will be spending more time with his family.

The Dodgers released IF/OF Chris Taylor to activate IF/OF Tommy Edman, the team announced on Sunday. Edman was placed on the 10-day IL on April 30 due to right ankle inflammation.

John Perrotto of Pittsburgh Baseball Now reported on Sunday that Jared Jones is likely to need Tommy John surgery. The 23-year-old had not pitched thus far in 2025 due to a UCL sprain he suffered in his right elbow during spring training. Now, he will reportedly be shut down for TJ.

Similarly, Hayden Wesneski of the Astros will receive Tommy John surgery, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reported.

Editor-in-Chief of Metsmerized Mike Mayer reported on Sunday that the Braves claimed RHP Kevin Herget off waivers from the Mets.

Latest on MMO

Brian Wright recapped some of the Greatest Subway Series moments. 

James Villani touches on Edwin Diaz‘s dominance in his 10th save of the season.

On This Date in Mets History

2006: Mets legend David Wright had a signature moment with a walk-off single against crosstown rival Yankees, to secure a 7-6 victory in a game where the team looked mismatched. The Yankees started Randy Johnson, and the Mets allowed four runs in the first inning. However, the Amazin’ fought, and David Wright landed the final blow.

Born on This Date: Turk Wendell (1967), Rick Cerone (1954).

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