José Alvarado: Everything you need to know

Alvarado earned the save Wednesday against the Padres, allowing one hit while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning. With Jhoan Duran pitching in four of the previous five days, Alvarado was called upon to protect a three-run lead in the ninth inning. The left-hander worked around a one-out single by Xander Bogaerts and closed out the game for his first save of the season. It marked Alvarado's first appearance since May 20 after he had allowed runs in three of his previous four outings. The reliever now owns a 5.79 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 26:8 K:BB to go along with seven holds across 18.2 innings.

Alvarado (back) allowed one hit and one walk in a scoreless ninth inning Thursday against the Cubs. He struck out one. The hard-throwing left-hander exited Tuesday's meeting with the Cubs due to mid-back spasms, but he needed just one day off to recover and get back on the mound. Although Alvarado has a pitiful 8.64 ERA, 2.16 WHIP and 11:5 K:BB through 8.1 innings, his usage in the ninth frame of a 7-7 game suggests he's right in the mix for save opportunities for at least the next week of action while Jhoan Duran (oblique) recuperates on the 15-day injured list.

Alvarado was removed from Tuesday's game against the Cubs with mid-back spasms, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports. Alvarado gave up one earned run on two hits and a walk in one-third of an inning before his back forced him to come out of the game. It's unknown if he will have to spend time on the IL, though the Phillies could sit him down for a few days as a precaution, regardless of the severity of his injury.