With 13 games remaining, the Phillies continue to await the return of three key players that were expected to be on the postseason roster

While JT Realmuto and Alec Bohm have officially returned to the Phillies’ lineup and Bryce Harper showed signs of getting his power back during the series against the New York Mets over the weekend, the team is still awaiting the return of three key contributors, Austin Hays, Edmundo Sosa, and Spencer Turnbull – all of whom remain on the injured list.

Cristopher Sánchez delivered another stellar performance in the Phillies’ 2-1 walk-off win over the Mets on Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. JT Realmuto came through in the clutch, lining a two-out single to right-center off Mets closer Edwin Díaz, scoring Nick Castellanos from second base to secure the victory.

JT Realmuto Walks It Off, Phillies Beat Mets 2-1

JT REALMUTO. RING IT. pic.twitter.com/TLwb8JOFoB

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) September 15, 2024

The win brought the Phillies’ magic number to clinch the NL East down to six, and after the Braves lost to the Dodgers later that night, it dropped even further to five. With just 13 games left, the Phillies are closing in on the division crown, riding strong pitching and timely hitting down the stretch.

MLB Postseason: Where every contending team in the National League stands with only 13 games remaining >>

Austin Hays (Kidney Infection)

Austin Hays was placed on the Injured List on Sept. 5, retroactive to Sept. 2. He hit .254 in 19 games since he was acquired from Baltimore at the Trade Deadline.

Hays, in particular, is facing a more uncertain recovery due to a kidney infection, which has made it difficult to gauge when he’ll be able to return to action.

With Hays, the concern is not just about getting back on the field but ensuring his long-term health. The infection has left him fatigued, and regaining his strength will be critical before any potential return.

Manager Rob Thomson expressed optimism, but the timeline is still unclear, noting that Hays has shown some signs of improvement but continues to deal with fatigue after not doing much physically for weeks. Hays has also likely lost some weight and strength during this time, adding another hurdle to his recovery.

If Hays doesn’t report for a rehab stint before the Triple-A season for Philadelphia’s affiliate ends on Sept. 22, it could raise red flags for the Phillies. Although there’s an option for him to get work done in Clearwater to simulate live reps, returning straight to the MLB level without facing live pitching first—especially in the playoffs—would be a difficult transition.

Hays, a 2023 All-Star who was brought in at the trade deadline for his offensive production and defensive skills, was expected to make an impact down the stretch. His ability to recover quickly will be vital for the Phillies’ postseason plans, as they’ll need his contributions if they hope to go deep into October.

Edmundo Sosa (Back Spasms)

Edmundo Sosa started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sept. 14. Sosa is also expected to play again on Sept. 15, and if all goes well, he could be activated as early as Sept. 17, the first day he is eligible to return from the injured list.

Sosa landed on the 10-day IL after experiencing back spasms just before taking swings in the batting cage on Sept. 7 in Miami. When the discomfort persisted the following day, the Phillies made the decision to place him on the IL on Sept. 8. His return would be a timely boost for the Phillies as they look to solidify their roster for the postseason stretch.

Spencer Turnbull (Right Lat Strain)

The Phillies are running out of time to reintegrate Spencer Turnbull into their bullpen before the season concludes. Even if he returns soon, it’s tough to envision a significant role for him on the postseason roster, given that he’s coming off an injury and lacks extensive bullpen experience.

Turnbull threw a live batting practice session on Sept. 13 in Clearwater, Fla., and he’s scheduled for another on Sept. 16. His last start came on June 26, when he exited after just three innings due to a “little grab” he felt on his second-to-last pitch.

Diagnosed with a right lat strain, Turnbull was placed on the 15-day IL the next day and later transferred to the 60-day IL on Aug. 17. His return remains uncertain with the season winding down.

Join The Chase