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5 hours ago
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The New York Mets got big news on Sunday before they even played a game.
One of their NL East rival's key players has been suspended 80 games for PED use.
Major League Baseball handed out an 80-game suspension to Phillies lefty reliever Jose Alvarado.
The statement is as follows:
"The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jose Alvarado has received an 8-game suspension without pay after testing positive for exogenous Testosterone, a performance enhancing substance, in violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension of Alvarado is effective immediately."
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The flamethrower has pitched in both a closer and setup role for Philadelphia this season.
He has a 2.70 ERA across 20 appearances with seven saves and five holds.
The Mets enter Sunday with a 1.5 game lead atop the NL East over the Phillies.
If Philadelphia's bullpen is subpar from here on out, the Mets' chances of claiming the division crown will be that much higher.
The news might also force the Phillies to pursue a desperation trade, and if that backfires, the Mets could benefit even further.
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