After being on the 10-day IL, Andrew McCutchen is headed back to the Phillies’ lineup tonight for their second game against the Dodgers. Last Monday, McCutchen was placed on the 10-day injured list with left knee inflammation, retroactive to Aug. 1. In his absence, Odubel Herrera has been in left field while Travis Jankowski was in center. 

Joining Cutch in being activated tonight is pitcher, Connor Brogdon. Connor has been with the team and was on the 10-day IL with elbow tendonitis retroactive to July 31st. Brogdon last pitched Thursday, allowing two runs on three hits across 1.2 innings against the Nationals. 

Exams showed no structural issues, and he was back to throwing almost a week ago. Getting Connor Brogdon back in the bullpen and not having to put Matt Moore, Enyel De Los Santos, or Mauricio Llovera in the game is always a huge plus.

Moving down for the Phillies will be Jose Alvarado and Damon Jones. Alvarado’s move to the minors only leaves the Phillies with one lefty in the bullpen currently but there’s a chance Jose could be dealing with an injury. The other lefty is Matt Moore, who is expected to start Saturday’s game. Damon Jones made his debut with the Phillies last night but saw barely any time on the mound.

Phillies starting lineup:

According to Matt Gelb, Alec Bohm has also been doing some work at first base ahead of tonight’s start. Rhys Hoskins has been out with a groin strain and is on the 10-day IL currently. Bohm played at first last season but has yet to in 2021.

Bohm has been a defensive liability at third base this season. With Ronald Torreyes being a proven defender and getting some run lately at third base and Rhys Hoskins injured, moving Bohm to first base to hide his poor defense at third is a smart move. 

Even with Brad Miller playing first, he’s much better utilized off the bench than in the starting lineup. Bohm offensively has been much better as of late, slashing .308/.411/.451 with three home runs and 13 RBI over his last 30 games. with Torreyes playing third and Bohm playing first, you instantly much better defense and can keep your best bats at the plate

The Phillies will likely stick with a 4-man rotation at least for this week with Nola, Wheeler, Gibson, and Suarez. That 4-man rotation was gifted a silver lining last night with the rain delay and Nola only throwing four innings which could extend The Phillies plans for a 4-man rotation.