The Philadelphia Phillies received some bad news on Wednesday.
Star relief pitcher Jose Alvarado has been sent to the injured list with left elbow inflammation.
Alvarado has been the best reliever for the Phillies this season.
He leads the team in saves with five, and has had success against both righties and lefties.
On the season, Alvarado has 14.1 innings pitched with 24 strikeouts and zero walks.
But many Phillies fans are aware of how much his absence will hurt the team.
This is why we can't have nice things
— Alan Keiper (@alan_keiper) May 10, 2023
Alvarado has never been known for his command.
So seeing him with zero walks through 14.1 innings is very impressive.
His 15.1 K/9 is a career-high, and everything seemed to be clicking for the 28-year-old.
I know nothing but pain https://t.co/0XpsG12uL8
— Kyle Frey (@camatkinscore) May 10, 2023
This is a major blow to the Phillies’ already questionable bullpen.
Alvarado was the one reliever that seemingly always got the job done.
Now they must hope someone else steps up in his absence.
Oh no. https://t.co/TTdHiJFayJ
— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) May 10, 2023
Some names to keep an eye on are Seranthony Dominguez and Craig Kimbrel.
Each has experience as a closer before and can take over that role while Alvarado is out.
But, one spot they are going to struggle is with lefty specialists.
Gregory Soto, Andrew Vasquez, and Matt Strahm are the remaining lefties in the bullpen.
Soto was once an All-Star with the Detroit Tigers but he has set to find his footing in Philadelphia.
Some fans feel as if the Phillies should be active in looking to acquire another bullpen arm.
Make a trade now
— Al DeLaurentis (@Al_DeLaurentis) May 10, 2023
Ultimately, losing Alvarado is a big blow to the team.
But, the Phillies have to weather the storm and hope he can return at some point.
NEXT: Phillies Send A Key Player To The IL
