Phillies' Jose Alvarado Set to Return Sunday

José Alvarado is expected to return to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday after being placed on the restricted list for personal reasons. Phillies manager Rob Thomson confirmed that the team anticipates Alvarado will be back this season, although no specific timeline for his return has been established. Alvarado's absence has raised concerns about the bullpen's effectiveness against left-handed hitters, as he has been the team's most successful reliever in that matchup this season. With Alvarado out, the Phillies are relying more on Matt Strahm and Tanner Banks, while also considering Orion Kerkering's performance against lefties. The team's bullpen statistics against left-handed batters have been troubling, prompting discussions on how to manage late-game situations effectively. Meanwhile, Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins has expressed readiness to return before season's end if permitted, following his recovery from Tommy John surgery.