The Philadelphia Phillies have a business decision to make soon for a player who caused a major headache this past season.

Hard-throwing lefty reliever José Alvarado appeared to be taking over the full-time closer role early in the year, but in May, he got hit with an 80-game suspension for a positive performance-enhancing drug test. Not only did that leave the Phillies without a key reliever for most of the summer, but he was ineligible for the playoffs as well.

As Phillies fans know well, one relief pitcher's availability could have been the difference between playoff elimination or surviving another day. But as much as Alvarado's actions may have torpedoed their season, he still has a chance to be an impact pitcher moving forward.

The Phillies own a $9 million club option for Alvarad

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