Looking good so far this spring, José Alvarado could be very important for the Phillies this season

José Alvarado fell down the Phillies bullpen pecking order last season, but his presence may be required toward the top of that order this year, at least to start the season.

Matt Strahm is dealing with a shoulder issue. His status for Opening Day is uncertain. The Phillies may not push Strahm. Being cautious, especially at the start of the year, makes sense.

Strahm will be re-evaluated on Saturday, according to Rob Thomson, who also said the left-hander is feeling better.

If Strahm begins the season on the injured list, Alvarado would become the top left-hander in Thomson’s bullpen. It’s a familiar role for him.

The hard-throwing left-hander was a lights-out reliever during stretches of the 2022 and 2023 seasons. High-leverage spots were, at times, his specialty. But last year, Alvarado struggled, especially against right-handed hitters. His strikeout rate dropped drastically; it was nearly 13 points lower when compared to 2023. The emergence of other relievers meant the Phillies didn’t need to rely on him like in previous years.

Alvarado finished 2024 with a 4.09 ERA in 61 2/3 innings. He led the club in saves (13). He only made one appearance in the NLDS against the Mets.

This spring, Alvarado’s looked sharper, touching triple digits with relative ease. He’s slimmer, too. The lefty’s allowed no runs on three hits in five innings. He’s walked three hitters, striking out 12.

Alvarado is working on a curveball and four-seam fastball this spring. Neither are likely to become high-usage pitches for him. But keeping hitters honest will be important. Last year, opponents could sit sinker or cutter against him. Making hitters think of a third pitch could mean Alvarado’s bread-and-butter offerings become more effective.

A third pitch would help against righties in 2025. Alvarado was one of the best left-on-left relievers a year ago. But righties posted a .756 OPS against him, much higher than the combined .586 OPS they posted against him between ’22 and ’23. At times, Thomson seemed to avoid putting Alvarado into a game last season when a pocket of right-handed hitters was due up.

The Phillies may not need Alvarado to be their top left-handed reliever for long. If he lands on the IL, Strahm may only miss the first week or two of the season. But Alvarado is still a bit more important this year. The back of the Phillies’ bullpen has been reshuffled; it’s not a sure thing everyone will fall into place.

By the end of last year, Alvarado was fifth on the bullpen depth chart. This year, the lowest he may fall is fourth. But relief pitching is volatile. There’s no way of knowing if Jordan Romano will bounce back from injury or if Orion Kerkering can handle a bigger role. If either falter, Alvarado may have to step in, pitching in more high-leverage spots.

If Romano and Kerkering pitch well, Alvarado regaining his form would still be a major help. It would go a long way in making the losses of Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez less noticeable. It would also help the lefty reliever secure a contract for next year. The Phillies hold a $9 million club option on him for 2026.

It’s a big year for Alvarado. He looks ready for it.