Phillies Roster Moves: Falter optioned, plus more on Brogdon, Camargo, Maton, Suarez and Eflin
The Phillies recalled right handed pitcher Michael Kelly from Triple A Lehigh Valley.
Kelly will replace Bailey Falter, who has again been optioned back to Triple A. Kent Emmanuel has also been activated from the 60-Day Injured List and will be optioned to Triple A. In order to make room for Emmanuel on the 40-man roster, the Phillies DFA’d Sam Clay.
Falter is heading back to Triple A following Thursday’s victory over the Washington Nationals. He pitched four innings and allowed two runs in the win. With the Phillies heading to Toronto early next week, Falter was supposed to pitch again on Tuesday.
However, due to Canada’s ridiculous vaccination rules, if you didn’t get the shot you can’t pitch, which is likely why Falter will be back in Lehigh Valley instead of with the team when they travel north of the border.
Phillies Injury Updates
Connor Brogdon pitched a one inning rehab assignment on July 7th with Lehigh Valley. He’s scheduled to pitch another rehab assignment today with the IronPigs and is likely to return to the Phillies this week.
Johan Camargo started his rehab assignment in Lehigh Valley on July 8th and is scheduled to make two more appearances with the IronPigs today and tomorrow. His likely return to the Phillies will be this week in Toronto.
Zach Eflin has been out since June 9th with a bruised right knee. He received a cortisone shot on June 28th and has been working out pregames during pitcher’s fielding practices. Eflin is eligible to return on July 11th, but it’s likely that he will need more time.
Nick Maton has been out since June 3rd with a sprained right shoulder but started his rehab assignment on July 7th with Single-A Clearwater.
Ranger Suarez was placed on the IL last week and is making progress on returning to the Phillies rotation before the All-Star Break.
Bryce Harper named starter in All-Star Game
Bryce Harper beat out William Contreras of the Atlanta Braves in the fan vote to be the National League’s starting designated hitter during the All-Star game July 19th at Dodger Stadium.
Obviously, Harper won’t be playing in the All-Star game, but still deserves some recognition after earning his seventh bid to the Midsummer Classic.
Up Next for the Phillies
Today, the Phillies will send Kyle Gibson to the mound to face Dakota Hudson in game two of four against St. Louis. Gibson’s last start made MLB History, but not in a good way. He allowed four home runs in the top of the 1st inning, marking the 1st time in MLB history that a team has hit 4 HRs in a row in the 1st.
Gibson has struggled recently, currently holding a 4-3 record on the year with a 4.91 ERA, and a 6.34 road ERA. Dakota Hudson is 6-5 with a 4.29 this season, logging a 3.03 home ERA.
