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

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.

Jorge Montanez breaks down the last week in saves and middle relievers on the rise in the latest closer report.