Rob Thomson Announces Big News for Phillies Before Mariners Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 5:29 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies are fighting for a second consecutive division title, currently leading the second-place New York Mets by five games in the NL East.

The Phillies, unfortunately, will be without their ace Zack Wheeler for the time being after he underwent a procedure on Monday to remove blood clots from his right upper extremity, near his throwing shoulder.

With the rotation losing its top arm, Philadelphia’s bullpen will be forced to handle a larger workload. Wheeler logged 149.2 innings in just 24 starts, going deeper into games than any of his teammates.

The Phillies’ bullpen lost a major piece in May when relief pitcher Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Jose Alvarado’s Return Adds Depth to Bullpen

Alvarado’s suspension does not allow him to pitch in postseason games, although the left-handed reliever is allowed to return during the regular season.

Ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners, manager Rob Thomson announced that Alvarado would return to the active roster on Tuesday when he is first eligible.

"José Alvarado will indeed be activated tomorrow when he’s eligible to rejoin the roster, Rob Thomson said," wrote Ty Daubert of Phillies Nation.

José Alvarado will indeed be activated tomorrow when he’s eligible to rejoin the roster, Rob Thomson said.
— Ty Daubert (@TyDaubert) August 18, 2025

Alvarado Will Help Phillies Bullpen During NL East Push

This is big for the Phillies because Alvarado will be able to log quality innings of relief work in the regular season, helping the team push for a division title while also taking off some of the workload for other high-leverage arms such as Jhoan Duran and Matt Strahm.

Alvarado was incredibly effective in 2025, pitching to a 4–1 record with a 2.70 ERA and collecting seven saves. He had 25 strikeouts throughout 20 innings pitched for the Phillies.

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

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