Phillies activate Bruce, Suárez; Kingery to IL

The Phillies made a trade to acquire David Phelps from the Brewers prior to the deadline and have more reinforcements incoming on both the pitching and offensive side of things.

Left-handed reliever Ranger Suárez is set to come off the injured list along with veteran Jay Bruce. Meanwhile, Scott Kingery heads to the IL for the second time this season.

Ranger Suárez and Jay Bruce have been activated from IL. Scott Kingery on IL with back issue. Phillies haven't announced second move yet.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 31, 2020

Suárez spent the entirety of summer camp on the COVID-19 Related Injured list. After a few bullpen sessions, he rejoins a Phillies bullpen that could use an effective lefty despite all of the recent additions. Adam Morgan has struggled with inconsistency and JoJo Romero remains unproven. Suárez appeared in 37 games for the Phils last season, posting a 3.14 ERA and 3.89 FIP.

Bruce returns after spending time on the IL with a left quadriceps injury he suffered back on August 16 against the Mets. He has four homers and 11 RBIs in 16 games this season.

Kingery has largely been a disappointment for the Phillies this season. César Hernández departed the team and Kingery was in line to become the full-time second baseman. Unfortunately, the former highly-touted prospect has looked shaky at the plate and on the field. He’s slashing .127/.184/.183 with 18 strikeouts and just nine hits in 76 plate appearances.

The Phillies have designated a pair of players for assignment to make room for Suárez and Bruce.

Phillies designated C Deivy Grullón and RHP pitcher Reggie McClain for assignment to make room for Ranger Suárez and Jay Bruce.

— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) August 31, 2020

Grullón had been in the Phillies player pool for the season, but with no injuries to Andrew Knapp and J.T. Realmuto, there has not been a need for his services. McClain appeared in five games for the Phillies this season, allowing three earned runs in 5.1 innings. Philadelphia claimed McClain on waivers from Seattle back in January.

The Phillies welcome the Washington Nationals into town for a four-game series beginning Monday night.

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