Winning in the Dugout: MLB Betting Guide

Philadelphia Phillies closer José Alvarado has been suspended for 80 games without pay by the MLB after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a banned performance-enhancing substance under the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension, announced on May 18, 2025, takes immediate effect and renders Alvarado ineligible for the remainder of the regular season and any potential postseason play.

At the age of 29, Alvarado has made himself one of the best players on the bullpen for the Phillies this season. He is posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts over 20 innings pitched. He leads the team with seven saves and five holds, contributing significantly to the Phillies' 27-18 record as of the suspension announcement.

The timing of the suspension is particularly damaging, as the team is contending for the National League East title and a playoff berth. This is definitely a bad news for a team that has strong World Series aspirations and may well be hurting their chances now more than ever.

A Tough Break

The Phillies expressed disappointment over Alvarado's violation but reaffirmed their commitment to MLB's drug policy. In a statement, the team emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game and supporting the league's efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing substances.

“It’s disappointing for sure,” Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Sunday morning at Citizens Bank Park. “There’s no question about that. We’ve had other issues come up at various times. I end up treating it like an injury because you need to replace somebody for 80 games and then hopefully into the postseason.”

With Alvarado sidelined, the Phillies face increased pressure on an already underperforming bullpen. Relievers such as Jordan Romano and Orion Kerkering have yet to meet expectations, and the team may need to explore trade opportunities to bolster their relief corps. However, with many teams in contention for playoff spots, acquiring quality bullpen help may prove challenging.

Under MLB's drug policy, a first positive test for a banned substance results in an 80-game suspension without pay. A second offense leads to a 162-game suspension, and a third offense results in a lifetime ban from the league. Players are not eligible for postseason play during their suspension, regardless of when it concludes.

Alvarado has the right to appeal the suspension, but unless the appeal is successful, the penalty will stand. If upheld, the suspension will serve as a significant setback in his career and the Phillies' season.

Losing Alvarado

Alvarado is in the final year of a three-year, $21.5 million contract extension signed in February 2023, which includes a $9 million club option for the 2026 season. The suspension raises questions about his future with the team, as the Phillies will need to assess the impact of the violation on his performance and reputation.

José Alvarado's suspension marks a significant development in the 2025 MLB season, highlighting the ongoing challenges teams face in maintaining compliance with league policies. This is, after all, not the first time that a player has been suspended for drug use as well.

For the Phillies, the loss of their top reliever presents both a tactical and emotional hurdle as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their most reliable pitchers. The team's response and any subsequent roster moves will be closely scrutinized as they aim to remain competitive in the National League East.

After being put on the 60-day injured list by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw is back on the brink as the 37-year-old makes his return to action for the club. This will mark his season debut as he has yet to touch the field since March, and his return could not have come at a better time when the Dodgers are plagued with injuries.

Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Teoscar Hernández, and Tommy Edman are all out for the Dodgers so far. Sasaki was diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement, while Snell will be up for checking for his left shoulder inflammation. Nothing has been easy for the team so far, and Kershaw’s return this week is starting to be a promising note for the defending World Series winners.

Kershaw just finished his fifth and final rehab on Sunday, and he went on to pitch a total of four innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City, in which he landed two hits and two runs allowed. He also finished with 57 pitches and had two walks and strikeouts apiece. He has not played a single game since the World Series campaign and had surgeries last November on a torn meniscus in his left knee and a ruptured plantar plate.

A Big Return for Kershaw

Kershaw is one of the biggest pieces for the Dodgers over the years and is also a fan favorite in the city. The return spells a positive look for the team at this point as the injuries have been really piling up for the team so far, and it cannot be denied that Kershaw could spark the team’s struggles now more than ever.

“It's great. It's a big shot in the arm,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Clayton has worked really hard to get healthy, and the bar is high for him. He doesn't want to just come back to be active. He wants to come back and help us win baseball games and be good. And so I know he's excited to contribute.”

In an injury-shortened season, Kershaw went 2-2 before he got injured in seven starts with a 4.50 ERA. It was his 17th season at that time, and fans are hoping to see him thrive in a rotation that features Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and Landon Knack. So far, the Dodgers still remain atop the National League West with a 27-14 record and are also sitting with the best record in the MLB so far.

The Kershaw Boost

In his run with three affiliates, Kershaw has logged a 2.57 ERA in five rehab starts. The Dodgers star has also pitched 21 innings, allowed 12 hits and six runs, walked five, and struck out 16. So far, getting him back is going to be a boost that the team can build off him and get back to bigger winning grooves.

“Just getting No. 22 back in the rotation is a huge shot in the arm of our ballclub,” Roberts said. “With Clayton just being back, I think it just adds an element of certainty and kind of performance.”

Roberts also said that he is not that concerned with the way Kershaw will struggle in his return. After all, it does seem that the pitcher has been quite effective in his rehab games, and it will likely translate to better numbers when he returns.

In a decisive move signaling a shift in direction, the Colorado Rockies have relieved manager Bud Black of his duties following a dismal 7–33 start to the 2025 MLB season. The decision comes on the heels of a 9–3 victory over the San Diego Padres, which ended an eight-game losing streak but was insufficient to salvage Black's tenure.

The Rockies' performance this season has been marked by inconsistency and underachievement, culminating in a franchise-worst 21–0 loss to the Padres the previous day.

Black, who became the Rockies' all-time winningest manager in 2024, managed the team for nine seasons, compiling a 544–690 record. Under his leadership, the Rockies reached the playoffs in 2017 and 2018 but have since struggled to maintain competitiveness. The team's ongoing challenges, including back-to-back 100-loss seasons in 2023 and 2024, prompted the front office to seek a change.

A New Dawn

In the wake of Black's dismissal, third-base coach Warren Schaeffer has been appointed interim manager for the remainder of the season. Clint Hurdle, a former Rockies manager and the franchise's all-time winningest skipper, will serve as the interim bench coach. General Manager Bill Schmidt expressed confidence in Schaeffer's ability to connect with players and improve team performance, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach to reverse the team's fortunes.

As the Rockies embark on this new chapter, the focus will be on rebuilding the team's culture and performance. The remainder of the 2025 season presents an opportunity for Schaeffer and the coaching staff to assess the roster and implement strategies aimed at long-term success. The Rockies' ownership and management are committed to making the necessary changes to restore the team to competitiveness in the National League West.

Schaeffer, previously the team’s third base coach and a respected figure in the Rockies’ player development system, steps into one of the most challenging managerial roles in baseball. But does he have the tools – and time – to make an impact?

Schaeffer Stepping Up

Schaeffer’s most immediate opportunity lies in player development and clubhouse culture. A former minor league manager within the Rockies’ system, he has strong relationships with many of the team’s younger players, including top prospects like Adael Amador and Yanquiel Fernandez. Giving these prospects meaningful playing time could inject life into a stagnant roster.

Schaeffer’s background managing in the minors gives him insight into the Rockies’ farm system. These changes wouldn’t solve every issue overnight, but they would signal a bold shift toward player growth, accountability, and future competitiveness. One should expect that he will instill more aggressive baserunning and better situational awareness, turning the Rockies into a more dynamic, high-effort team.

Additionally, Schaeffer is expected to emphasize fundamentals, baserunning, and defensive improvement – areas where the Rockies have consistently struggled. With Clint Hurdle stepping in as interim bench coach, Schaeffer will also have a seasoned voice beside him to help stabilize the team’s leadership.

If the Rockies are to salvage anything from 2025, it won’t be about a playoff push – it will be about setting the tone for 2026 and beyond. Schaeffer’s success will hinge not just on wins, but on whether he can inspire effort, reestablish development priorities, and restore a sense of direction to a franchise adrift.

The challenge is steep – but for Schaeffer, it’s also the opportunity of a lifetime that he should not pass up with Black now moving on from the team.