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John Kruk Calls Out Phillies' Jose Alvarado Amid Suspension

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated May 19, 2025 2:50 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies suffered a brutal blow to their team after relief pitcher Jose Alvarado was suspended 80 games and the postseason after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

During the Phillies' pre-game show on NBC Sports Philadelphia, John Kruk called out Alvarado for his suspension. Kruk called Alvarado 'selfish,' and didn't hold back in his criticism of Alvarado.

John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia shared Kruk's response to Alvarado's suspension from the Phillies' Sunday afternoon broadcast.

"If I was a teammate of Jose Alvarado, I would consider it a very selfish move on his part, putting the team at risk by knowing that if you got caught, you would get [suspended] 80 games. If I'm a player on this team right now, I don't think I'd be real happy with him."

Phillies analyst John Kruk on @NBCSPhilly says “if I was a teammate of Jose Alvarado, I would consider it a very selfish move on his part. If I’m a player on this team right now, I don’t think I’d be real happy with him”

John on Jose Alvarado being suspended pic.twitter.com/Aa4LSvw1v4
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) May 19, 2025

Kruk didn't hold back calling out Alvarado. While Kruk's remarks are strong, Kruk isn't alone in this sentiment. After Alvarado's suspension, the Phillies are in a significantly worse position.

There was already a need to add a reliever, but now that Alvarado is effectively done for the year, the Phillies have a desperate need to bolster the bullpen. It also becomes a major issue for the future as well, as Alvarado's return to form could be a lot more challenging following his suspension.

The clubhouse feels a certain way, and so could the front office and coaching staff. Alvarado's suspension sends ripple effects throughout the entire Phillies organization.

While no one in the Phillies clubhouse has shared similar feelings to those of Kruk, there is a chance they are keeping it internal instead of sharing it like Kruk.

The damage is done, and Alvarado's mistake is a costly one. Now the Phillies are without one of their best relievers, who had a 2.70 ERA in 20 innings of work in 2025.

Philadelphia will have to rely on Matt Strahm and Jordan Romano to lead the bullpen, with an addition to the bullpen likely on the horizon.

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

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