3 Phillies players, 5 coaches in COVID-19 protocol

For the second time in as many seasons, the Philadelphia Phillies have had an early brush with COVID-19.

Monday, the club announced that reliever José Alvarado, left-handed starter Matt Moore and utility-man Ronald Torreyes have been placed on the injured list. Girardi said all three are heading to the IL “for COVID reasons.” Girardi was unable to put a timetable on the potential returns of the aforementioned trio, nor was he able to discuss whether or not any had tested positive for the virus.

To replace those three, the Phillies called up infielder Nick Maton, and left-handed pitchers Cristopher Sanchez and Damon Jones. Maton will immediately be thrown into the fire, starting over Didi Gregorius Monday night against the San Francisco Giants. Manager Joe Girardi told the collective media, including MLB.com‘s Todd Zolecki, that Gregorius is out because his right elbow hurts after attempting to make a catch in the shallow outfield over the weekend.

Girardi also said that the Phillies are preparing Vince Velasquez to start Friday at Coors Field in place of Moore. After Aaron Nola pitched all nine innings Sunday, the Phillies didn’t want to bring him back on short rest.

On top of all of that, first base coach Paco Figueroa and coaching assistant Bobby Meacham are in the COVID-19 protocols now. They will join three other coaches; third base coach Dusty Wathan, hitting coach Joe Dillon and bullpen coach Dave Lundquist have been absent since Friday for the same reason. Phillies infield coach Juan Castro will coach first base tonight, with Triple-A Lehigh Valley manager Gary Jones coaching third base.

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