Phillies Miss Key Bullpen Opportunity After Alvarado Suspension
The Philadelphia Phillies were dealt a major blow with the suspension of their top reliever, José Alvarado, who will miss 80 games without pay after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He will also be ineligible for the postseason, further complicating the team’s pitching plans.
Despite the urgent need for bullpen reinforcements, the Phillies chose not to claim Tayler Scott off waivers. Scott, who became a free agent after being designated for assignment by the Houston Astros, might not have been a game-changer, but he could have served as a short-term solution.
Scott’s 2024 season has been underwhelming—he posted a 5.40 ERA and issued 12 walks over 16.1 innings. His velocity has also declined, averaging just 92 mph. However, this drop in performance contrasts sharply with his strong 2023 campaign, during which he maintained a 2.23 ERA across 62 appearances for the Astros. While some of that success may have been due to favorable luck (e.g., a low batting average on balls in play), he still limited hard contact effectively and was a dependable part of Houston’s bullpen.
Given the Phillies’ already thin bullpen—even before Alvarado’s suspension—it’s surprising they didn’t take a low-risk chance on Scott, especially when comparing him to some current roster options like Max Lazar, Carlos Hernandez, and Jose Ruiz. Scott would not have needed to fill a high-leverage role but could have added much-needed depth. He also came at minimal financial cost, making the decision not to claim him even more puzzling.
While there’s still a chance Philadelphia could sign Scott in free agency, the team’s decision to pass on him via waivers suggests that’s unlikely. With trade season still weeks away, the Phillies may struggle to find reliable bullpen help in the meantime.
