Coming off a HUGE 10-0 win, where Didi Gregorius accounted for four RBIs, he catches up with with TMac and Ruben Amaro, Jr. to talk about his first home run since last September.
MIAMI — The Phillies may learn a little more about Zach Eflin’s timetable for a return to the starting pitching rotation on Sunday.
Eflin, who has been sidelined for three weeks with right knee soreness, threw a bullpen session/simulated game before Saturday’s game against the Miami Marlins.
Manager Rob Thomson was pleased with the way Eflin threw.
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SIGN UP HERE “He was 92-93 (mph) and the ball came out good,” Thomson said.
Eflin has worn a knee brace recently and did so for the throwing session.
The right-hander had initially been scheduled for an “up-down," a throwing session with a simulated innings break in the middle. However, he only threw the equivalent of one inning against a couple of hitters. Thomson said he made the decision to skip the second “inning” because Eflin had reached a total of 59 pitches, including warmups, and was only slated to throw 60 in all.
After his work on the mound, Eflin huddled with the team’s pitching brain trust and head athletic trainer Paul Buchheit. Thomson said Eflin did not report any problems with the knee.
MLB
What's next?
“We’ll re-evaluate him tomorrow,” Thomson said.
Eflin had surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee in September. He has continually said his current injury — a bruise to the “fat pad” under the kneecap — is not related and that the patellar tendon is fine. He suffered the current injury making a fielding play June 9 in Milwaukee. He pitched with discomfort for three starts then shut down after his start at San Diego on June 25.
The Phillies’ postseason chances could very well hinge on the recovery of four important players — two pitchers and two hitters — after the All-Star break. Lefty Ranger Suarez returned from the injured list and pitched on Saturday. Second baseman Jean Segura, recovering from a broken right index finger, believes he can be back by mid-August. Bryce Harper, out with a broken left thumb, has not given a timetable for his return, but promises to be back. There is no timetable for Eflin’s return, but he’s also indicated that he expects to be back.
The Phillies need ‘em all.
In addition to Suarez, the Phillies activated infielder Johan Camargo before Saturday’s game against Miami. To make room for Suarez and Camargo on the roster, the Phils sent outfielder Mickey Moniak and reliever Mark Appel to Triple A.