The Phillies are temporarily opting for a six-man rotation to give their starters an extra day of rest amid scattered off days in the May schedule. Left hander Bailey Falter will start Friday’s series opener against the Mets.
To get him on the active roster, the Phillies optioned left-handed pitcher José Alvarado to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Roster limits dictate that the Phillies could only have 14 pitchers on the active roster, “so another arm needed to be sent down in order for Falter to come up. Alvarado, Andrew Bellatti, Nick Nelson, Connor Brogdon and Seranthony Domínguez are the only pitchers in the Phillies bullpen with minor league options remaining.
Alvarado, 27, has struggled out of the ‘pen for the Phillies this season. In 13 innings, Alvarado has a 7.62 ERA.
With Alvarado out, Brad Hand is now the only lefty in the Phillies bullpen.
Here is the Phillies’ lineup for Friday’s series opener against the Mets.
Starting Pitcher: LHP Bailey Falter