Tyler Trumbauer
Earlier this week, the Phillies placed starting pitcher Zach Eflin on the 15-day disabled list with patellar tendinopathy in both knees. Despite the move being made, there was still some uncertainty surrounding Eflin’s health as well as the starting rotation for the Phillies.
Today, the team gave a little bit more clarity.
Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said during his pregame press session that Eflin has a fracture in his foot in addition to the knee ailments, according to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly. Mackanin noted that fans should not hold their breath for an Eflin return this season.
Additionally, the Phillies announced that left-hander Adam Morgan has been re-called from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Eflin’s spot in the rotation. Morgan is set to start Sunday against the Colorado Rockies.
Morgan has struggled this season in the majors. The southpaw began the season as a member of the starting rotation, but was moved to the bullpen briefly before being sent down to the IronPigs. During his time in the major leagues, Morgan appeared in 14 games, 12 of which were starts, and compiled a 1-7 record to go with his 6.65 ERA. He logged 66.1 innings of work before being demoted.
The Phillies rotation doesn’t look like what many would have expected it to look like at this juncture of the season, nor does it look like anything the Phillies would like it to. The team just wants to avoid more injuries with its pitchers these last few weeks of the season since a postseason push is unlikely.
With Carson Wentz now on the shelf for what could be the rest of the Eagles’ preseason, let’s hope Ryan Howard keeps hitting well to keep things interesting until the NFL regular season begins. [Editor’s note: Unless he gets traded before the August 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Save us, Ryan.]