Phillies PED Pattern Raises Questions After Two Recent Suspensions

The first incident occurred in May 2025, when Phillies closer José Alvarado was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for exogenous Testosterone, a banned substance under MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Alvarado was one of the most important arms in Philadelphia’s bullpen at the time. Armed with a triple-digit fastball and a devastating cutter, he had become the Phillies’ go-to option in the ninth inning. His suspension immediately altered the bullpen hierarchy and had postseason implications as well.

Although Alvarado returned later in the 2025 season after serving the suspension, he was ineligible for postseason play, a significant loss for a team built to contend in October. The suspension wasn’t just a roster issue—it was a public reminder of how quickly a season’s trajectory can change when PED violations enter the picture.

Max Kepler Suspension Reignites the Conversation

Just months later, the Phillies were again mentioned in PED-related headlines.

On January 9, 2026, free-agent outfielder Max Kepler, who played for Philadelphia during the 2025 season, received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for Epitrenbolone, an anabolic steroid. Because Kepler is currently unsigned, the suspension will begin once he signs with a new team.

While Kepler is no longer on the Phillies’ roster, the timing created an uncomfortable overlap. Two recognizable players connected to the same organization—both receiving lengthy suspensions—reinforced the perception of a recent pattern, even if the cases themselves are unrelated.

Coincidence or Cause for Reflection?

Labeling these incidents as anything more than a coincidence would be unfair. MLB’s drug testing is centralized, independently enforced, and applies equally to every organization. There is no evidence suggesting the Phillies had any role in either violation.

Still, patterns—real or perceived—tend to invite scrutiny. Fans, media, and rival executives often look for common threads, even when none exist. In today’s game, reputation matters nearly as much as results, and PED suspensions inevitably linger in public memory.

What It Means Going Forward

For the Phillies, the focus now shifts to moving forward cleanly and transparently. The franchise remains a perennial contender with a veteran core and championship aspirations, and avoiding future incidents will be critical to keeping attention where it belongs—on the field.

Two suspensions do not define an organization. But when they happen close together, they form a moment worth examining, if only to ensure it doesn’t repeat itself.