When the Philadelphia Phillies announced that their closer Jose Alvarado was going to be suspended for 80 games without pay for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy the look at the Phillies as World Series contenders shifted, as did fantasy teams across the country.
Alvarado tested positive for exogenous testosterone, which is a performance-enhancing substance that Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said was caused by a weight-loss drug Alvarado took during the offseason.
Whatever the reason fantasy owners know that their closer is gone for 80 days and now need to make some adjustments. The obvious choice is Jordan Romano, who was sharing closing duties anyway, he has five saves this season. But it's not that cut and dry. The Phillies have used match up closers for a while and that means that Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm are now officially in the mix for saves.
Strahm has two saves and is a lefty, like Alvarado, so his usage might increase in those late innings. He also has a track record of being used in that manner by the Phillies and has a 2.89 ERA. Kerkering has long been thought of as the closer of the future but the 24-year-old has over a 4 ERA on the season and has not earned the trust that he had last season.
With all that being said most insiders assume that the Phills will make a move for a big time closer. Names like Kenley Jansen will be the first thrown out there because he plays for a last place team and is on a one-year deal. The same can be said for Tyler Megill, who has more than one suitor to take over his closer role in Milwaukee, a team that is notorious for trading relievers. See Devin Williams and Josh Hader. But there is also the idea that maybe the A's ask for a huge haul for Mason Miller. Miller is the gem of the closer market. He is young, electric and could be the difference maker they want.
Whoever becomes the Phillies next closer will be in a great situation for fantasy owners. The best bet right now is Romano, but Strahm is a good grab for those who are desperate. if you are looking long term maybe you can buy Jansen from an owner who is falling out of the race. If you believe in the Megill rumors Uribe is the must grab in Milwaukee.