Phillies’ José Alvarado to miss remainder of season with forearm injury

PHILADELPHIA — Phillies reliever José Alvarado, one of the team’s top relievers who missed 80 games earlier this season due to suspension, will be sidelined for the rest of the year.

The club placed Alvarado on the 15-day injured list on Friday afternoon with a strained left forearm. Phillies manager Rob Thomson said although the injury was “very mild,” Alvarado will not have time to return before the end of the regular season. Due to testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug this year, Alvarado will not be eligible for the postseason.

“Our plan now is just get him ready for next year,” Thomson said.

Alvarado’s removal from the active roster opened up a spot for right-hander Walker Buehler, who will start for the Phillies in Friday night’s series opener against the Royals at Citizens Bank Park. Pitcher Matt Manning was designated for assignment to create room for Buehler on the 40-man roster.

While this season was a disappointment for Alvarado, the Phillies hold a contract option of $9 million for 2026 for Alvarado. Before he was suspended on May 18, Alvarado was the team’s go-to arm in high leverage. He was not as effective once he came back on Aug. 19, allowing five earned runs in eight appearances.

Overall, Alvarado had a 3.81 ERA in 28 games this season. It was far from his best showing, but the option for next year may still be enticing for a bullpen piece who will turn 31 and has performed like an elite reliever in the past.

“I think it’s something to talk about,” Thomson said.

Thomson said Alvarado was sore after his outing against the Mets on Wednesday. The team had imaging done on Friday, revealing the strain. Alvarado will stay in Philadelphia when the Phillies head to Los Angeles for next week’s road trip and later travel to Florida to have his strength and range of motion tested.

With Buehler being added to create a six-man rotation for the time being, the Phillies will be an arm down in their bullpen. They hope the benefit is that their remaining starters can stay fresh and healthy before the postseason with Zack Wheeler already out.

“I want to be really careful coming down the stretch,” Thomson said.