No one will read too much into the solid stretch because greater tests await. But it was some validation for a group under scrutiny.

With closer Jose Alvarado suspended for 80 games, here are three external options to replace him in the Phillies bullpen.

Philadelphia was dealt a significant blow over the weekend when ace reliever José Alvarado was hit with an 80-game performance-enhancing drug suspension. He claims it was a weight less drug, though the reason is irrelevant now.