Ryan

Madson

“Losing him was huge,” said Rheal Cormier. “He could go two innings. He could pitch anywhere.” In Madson’s absence, Cormier, Roberto Hernandez, Todd Jones and Felix Rodriguez are a combined 3-9 with a 5.69 ERA for a team that is 13-22. By contrast, the Braves’ middle relievers are 6-4 with a 2.42 ERA since July 25. The Braves are 25-9 in that stretch. “Wow,” manager Larry Bowa said. Madson has been talked about as a candidate for the rotation next season, but the Phillies could decide he’s too valuable in a utility sort of relief role.

Madson should be able to return before the middle of September.

Madson, who went 16-4 with a 3.20 ERA for Double-A Reading last year, was shut down for most of the spring due to the problem.

Madson, who is making his way back from elbow tendinitis, allowed five runs in eight innings in two starts for Single-A Clearwater.

“I’m getting closer,” Madson said. “I’ll definitely be back this year.”

''I’m having a good time,’' Madson (2-1) said. ''I’m glad I’m getting the opportunity.’' There has been serious talk in Philadelphia of Madson replacing Brett Myers in the rotation, but even if it doesn’t happen he has value as a reliever in NL-only leagues the way he’s throwing (13/3 k/bb rate).

The new players are expected to join the team tomorrow. None should see any meaningful time.

Earlier this season Madson set the Phillies record of 21 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run. Those innings also happened to be the first of his career. After 2 1/3 scoreless innings last night, Madson now has another 21-inning streak in the works to lower his ERA to 1.84. He’s appeared in just about every role for the Phillies this season and is quite valuable for a long reliever.

The impressive rookie reliever could be back around the middle of the month.

It is not clear if the free agent reliever is considering retirement or if he is just not happy with the contract offers he is getting. Madson is 38 years old and coming off perhaps the worst season of his career. He registered a poor 5.47 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 58 appearances with the Nationals and Dodgers last year. He saved four games in eight chances. On the plus side he had a 54:16 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 52 2/3 innings and his 3.97 xFIP was much better than his ERA. He is only one year removed from his 1.83 ERA in 60 games in 2017. Rosenthal reports there are teams interested in Madson but he is being “extremely picky” when sorting through offers.