PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies reliever José Alvarado has rejoined the team following an 80-game suspension for violating baseball’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.

Alvarado was back in Philadelphia before Tuesday night’s home game against Baltimore and is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment soon. The Venezuelan left-hander is eligible to return to the big leagues on Aug. 19, but can’t pitch in the postseason if the Phillies qualify due to Major League Baseball rules on PED bans.

Philadelphia led the NL East by 1 1/2 games over the New York Mets heading into Tuesday’s games.

“I am fully aware that using prohibited substances is wrong and I would never intend to do so because I have always had great respect for the game, my organization, my teammates and the

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