Girardi provides an update on Alvarez recovery timeline

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More bad news for the Phillies’ beleaguered bullpen.

The team has put a timetable on Jose Alvarez’ projected absence. The club's most consistent reliever could be sidelined for a month before he’s ready to return.

Alvarez took a 105-mph line drive to the groin in a game against Toronto on Thursday. Though doctors said Alvarez would make a full recovery after the scary incident, they’ve mandated that he rest and take it easy for a while.

According to manager Joe Girardi, Alvarez is not even supposed to pick up a ball for two weeks. By then, the calendar will have flipped to September. Add on two more weeks to build arm strength, as Girardi projected, and Alvarez might not be back up September 17. By that time, the Phils will have just 11 games remaining in the season.

“It’s going to take some time,” Girardi said of Alvarez’ recovery.

Not having Alvarez for a month will hurt. The left-hander was off to an excellent start, having allowed just one run in his first 6 1/3 innings. Last year, Alvarez had a 3.36 ERA in 67 games.

The Phillies acquired Alvarez from Anaheim for reliever Luis Garcia prior to the 2019 season. He’s been an excellent pickup, impressing all with the way he goes right at hitters and gets outs.

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