The Philadelphia Phillies followed up their weekend sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates with a major setback. Shortly after completing the Rivalry Weekend series victory, the team announced that reliever José Alvarado had been handed an 80-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Alvarado had been one of the Phillies’ most dependable late-inning arms during their strong start, and his loss is a significant blow as the club continues its push toward a long-awaited World Series title.

If Philadelphia was already considering a move for bullpen help before the trade deadline, Alvarado’s suspension has now made that need urgent. And with the rest of the league fully aware of the Phillies’ growing desperation, it won’t be easy to strike a favorable deal.

“It’s tough when a guy leaves the clubhouse that way because … teams know we need it,” Bryce Harper told The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber. “Dave [Dombrowski] does a good job of getting value for value, but it’s a hard spot to be in when teams know we’re hurting and need help.”

With playoff contenders always on the lookout for reliable bullpen arms, any team willing to move a proven closer will have leverage — and the Phillies may have to pay a premium. Still, Philadelphia has one key advantage: a strong and deep starting rotation, which could allow the team to part with a starter in exchange for bullpen reinforcements. Top pitching prospect Andrew Painter is also expected to debut soon, which could further support such a move.