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Braves' Austin Riley Shares Candid Thoughts on Phillies' José Alvarado

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 2:50 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies don't have a set closer, but one reliever has made a name for himself to begin the season.

He's made such an impact that even opposing players and managers have taken notice—Austin Riley was the latest to praise José Alvarado after facing him in a recent game against the Braves.

"The guy is throwing 101 with an unbelievable cutter," Riley said (h/t Rick Farlow of MLB.com). "He's added a curveball. He's a really tough pitcher. He's closing, coming into the ninth for a reason."

Riley isn't the only member of the Braves organization to praise Alvarado. Manager Brian Snitker praised Alvarado: "It's a tough at-bat against that guy."

Their praise comes after the Phillies' 4- 3 victory, in which Alvarado got the last four outs, earning a win. He got the final out in the eighth inning and went back out for the ninth to close out the game.

With a one-run lead, Alvarado allowed Riley and Marcell Ozuna two singles. But he got out of the inning without allowing a runner to cross the plate. In a six-pitch at-bat against Sean Murphy, Alvarado got a strikeout for the win.

It was the 30th pitch of Alvarado's outing and was the first outing where he's gotten more than three outs since 2023. So far, Alvarado has a 1.42 ERA, two wins, two saves, and 12 strikeouts in six and one-third innings.

The Phillies bullpen has been looking for a dominant closer, and if Alvarado can continue his start of the season, he could be the answer for Philadelphia. But, more options in the bullpen still need to be added.

It's one thing for a teammate to praise Alvarado, but for a divisional rival to praise him instills confidence in Alvarado's ability to be the Phillies' closer in 2025.

Alvarado is the Phillies' most important reliever, and after his outing against the Braves, he's earned the praise of his teammates and opponents alike.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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