MLB reduces Jose Alvarado’s suspension to 2 games

[May 04, 2021]    Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado had his three-game suspension reduced to two, and he began serving his penalty Monday night.

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado (46) celebrates a strikeout against the New York Mets in the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kam Nedd-USA TODAY Sports

MLB hit Alvarado with a three-game suspension Sunday for inciting a benches-clearing incident against the New York Mets on Friday night. Alvarado successfully appealed the decision.

Alvarado, 25, struck out Mets outfielder Dominic Smith for the third out with two men in scoring position to end the top of the eighth inning. Alvarado shouted toward Smith as he walked off the field, then tossed his glove and appeared to challenge Smith to a fight.

Smith and Mets right-hander Miguel Castro were also issued undisclosed fines for their roles in the incident.

Tensions heated up again in the bottom of the inning after Castro threw a couple of inside pitches to Rhys Hopkins and the two exchanged words.

Alvarado will miss the Phillies' first two games against the Milwaukee Brewers.

--Field Level Media

[© 2021 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2021 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.