The Philadelphia Phillies need Bryce Harper and Didi Gregorius. The timetable for their returns however, still remains unclear. Bryce Harper is not ready to rejoin the Phillies yet, and it’s unlikely we will see him this weekend against the Washington Nationals.

According to Joe Girardi, who spoke after last night’s 2-1 loss to the Nationals, Harper is getting closer to taking the field.

Girardi actually didn’t dismiss the idea that Harper could rejoin the Phillies this weekend. Bryce has been on the 1-day injured list since May 23rd because of a bruised left wrist. The swelling in his wrist, according to Girardi, has “pretty much subsided.”

Didi Gregorius is still experiencing minor stiffness in his elbow. His timetable for return is longer than Harpers. Gregorius hasn’t played since May 13th because of inflammation in his right elbow.

Phillies Rotation Set for Nationals, Braves

After a week of speculation around whether the Phillies would use a 4-man rotation in the month of June given Wednesday’s rain postponement and more than five days off throughout the month, it appears that the Phillies have opted to go with their 1-2-3 lineup against the Braves next Tuesday.

With Spencer Howard starting on Saturday, that will likely push Zack Eflin’s next scheduled start to Tuesday, when the Phillies open a three-game series against Atlanta. By setting up their rotation like this against the Nationals, the Phillies are giving Eflin and Nola an extra day’s rest.

Aaron Nola has historically pitched better with an extra day off. He is 29-28 with a 4.23 ERA in 71 starts when he pitches on just four days of rest and he’s 33-16 with a 2.87 ERA in 80 career starts when he pitches on five or more days of rest.

Eflin will have eight days of rest and Nola will have seven days of rest. The Phillies are setting themselves up to have Eflin, Nola, and Wheeler against the Braves next week.

Phillies Standings

The Phillies lost last night 2-1 to the Washington Nationals. They are 26-30 on the season, a half game back from the Braves in second place in the NL East and four games back of the leading New York Mets. Spencer Howard will be on the mound tonight for the Phillies in game two against the Nationals.

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Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY