Phillies to place Zach Eflin back on the injured list

Phillies starter Zach Eflin was supposed to make his return to the starting rotation on Thursday against Arizona, but was scratched hours before with more knee issues. He made a rehab start on Saturday in Reading and was deemed healthy enough to return, despite not being stretched out to take on a normal starter’s workload. He underwent an MRI and according to Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the team is still awaiting the results.

On Friday, the Phillies are set to place Eflin back on the 10-day injured list. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com notes that there is no timetable for Eflin’s return and it’s possible that the 27-year-old won’t pitch again this season.

In a corresponding move, the Phillies have recalled right-handed pitcher Enyel De Los Santos from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

On Thursday, Rhys Hoskins told the media that he will undergo surgery to repair a tear in his lower abdomen and will likely miss the rest of the 2021 season. Joe Girardi also told the media before Friday’s game that catcher J.T. Realmuto could see time at first base.

The Phillies may shutdown Eflin regardless, but the decision might become a lot easier if the Phillies fall further behind in the standings. They are currently 5.5 games out of first place in the NL East and six games out of the second wild card spot.

Eflin last pitched on July 16 in a game against the Marlins. He was scratched from his next start with a knee injury and placed on the 10-day injured list on July 20 with right patella tendinitis, an injury he dealt with back in 2016.

Eflin has a 4.17 ERA in 105 2/3 innings in 2021.

Here’s how the Diamondbacks and Phillies line up for the second game of a four-game series.

Diamondbacks

1. Josh Rojas, second base
2. Josh VanMeter, third base
3. Pavin Smith, right field
4. Christian Walker, first base
5. David Peralta, left field
6. Daulton Varsho, catcher
7. Jake McCarthy, center field
8. Nick Ahmed, shortstop
9. Taylor Widener, pitcher

Phillies

1. Odúbel Herrera, left field
2. Jean Segura, second base
3. Bryce Harper, right field
4. Didi Gregorius, shortstop
5. Brad Miller, first base
6. Freddy Galvis, third base
7. Travis Jankowski, center field
8. Andrew Knapp, catcher
9. Aaron Nola, pitcher

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