The Phillies have a chance to bring their record back to .500 with a series win over the Red Sox in Boston this week. However, they’ve been forced to place four key players on the COVID-19 restricted list. Today’s starting pitcher, Aaron Nola, third baseman, Alec Bohm, Connor Brogdon, and Bailey Falter all were taken off the roster for today’s series finale in Boston.

As a result, Philadelphia has now called up infielder Nick Maton, and relievers Damon Jones, Mauricio Llovera, and Cristopher Sanchez from the AAA affiliate, Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs.

A few hours away from first pitch, the Phillies have named the starting pitcher who will replace Nola. Bullpen bum Kintzler will be the starter or opener, depending on Girardi’s game plan for the nine innings to be played. Wheeler could have been an option, however it would have likely meant that he would not have been able to pitch in the All Star game this coming week.

Alec Bohm has in fact tested positive for the corona virus, per Girardi, and will miss at at least 10 days. The other players are in protocol. Philadelphia is one of the only teams in the league that did not hit the 85% vaccination rate throughout the clubhouse.

What’s done is done. The lineup has been posted. Our dreams of a hot Phillies team crushed as Kintzler will be the first to take the mound for the Phillies. All we can do is pray that the Phillies go into the All Star Break with the same energy they’ve been playing with all week.

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports