Phillies officially reinstate Jose Alvarado and somehow, Jordan Romano survives

The Phillies made a few roster moves today, headlined by the return of José Alvarado. The lefty was officially reinstated from the restricted list after finishing his rehab stint at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

To clear room on the roster, the Phils optioned right-hander Nolan Hoffman back to Triple-A and designated lefty Josh Walker for assignment.

And somehow, against all odds, Jordan Romano survives.

Phillies officially reinstate Jose Alvarado and somehow, Jordan Romano survives

The Phillies returned LHP José Alvarado from his rehab assignment with Lehigh Valley (AAA) & reinstated him from the restricted list. To make room on the 26-man roster, RHP Nolan Hoffman was optioned to LHV & to make room on the 40-man roster, LHP Josh Walker has been DFA’d.

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 19, 2025

Every day that Jordan Romano is on the Phillies roster is a bad one

Yes, the same Romano who’s rocking a 7.56 ERA this season, the same guy who can’t even handle mop-up duty without detonating an inning, still has a roster spot. Every day the Phillies keep him around feels like punishment for the fanbase.

At least Alvarado is back. The bullpen desperately needs another reliable arm for the stretch run, and getting him in the mix should help stabilize things. Still, it’s hard not to roll your eyes at the fact that Hoffman and Walker were the casualties here while Romano continues to hang on by a thread.

The Phillies are trying to win a division and set themselves up for October. Keeping Romano around doesn’t move them closer to that goal, it does the exact opposite.

Jose Alvarado on fans reaction:

José Alvarado was asked by @TimKellySports what reaction he expects from the fans when he enters for the first time since his suspension. pic.twitter.com/N2k9wuDD6O

— On Pattison (@OnPattison) August 19, 2025

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