Matt Moore scheduled to pitch Triple-A rehab start

Philadelphia Phillies left-handed pitcher Matt Moore is set to take another step toward a return from the injured list.

The 31-year-old is penciled in for a rehab start for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs Friday, according to Lehigh Valley pitching coach Aaron Fultz, jumping ahead of the originally scheduled Julian Garcia.

“As of now, Matt Moore is going to start and Julian is going to back him up if weather permits,” Fultz said on Zoom Friday afternoon. The forecast around Allentown’s Coca-Cola Park calls for rain throughout the night.

The pitching coach said Moore is scheduled to throw three innings, but that number could fluctuate based on how many pitches the left-hander throws.

Moore was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 22 with lower back spasms.

The Phillies signed Moore to a one-year, $3 million contract in February, and he opened up the season as the team’s No. 4 starter. He gave up 12 earned runs in 11 innings through his first three starts, before being put on the COVID-related injured list on April 19. Right-hander Vince Velasquez took his spot in the rotation and has pitched well enough to keep it.

Moore made six relief appearances after returning from his first stint on the injured list on April 26. He gave up three earned runs in 7 1/3 innings, bringing his ERA on the season to 7.36. Moore hasn’t pitched in a game since May 20.

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