Phillies Nuggets: Weekend rotation, injury updates

Prior to the Philadelphia Phillies’ series finale with the Washington Nationals Thursday afternoon, interim manager Rob Thomson announced the team’s plans for their starting rotation this weekend in St. Louis.

All-Star candidate Zack Wheeler will start Friday against the Cardinals, with Kyle Gibson slated to go Saturday and Aaron Nola on Monday. The Phillies haven’t decided who will start Sunday’s game, but Thomson suggested that the Phillies could use an opener to get through the start of a lineup that includes Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, before turning to lefty Cristopher Sánchez to pitch the biggest chunk of the game.

The Phillies weren’t willing to commit to who will be pitching Tuesday and Wednesday in Toronto against the Blue Jays. Unvaccinated players will not be eligible to enter Canada to play in the series. Currently, Bailey Falter would be on track to pitch Tuesday, with Wheeler on Wednesday. Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported Wednesday that “word is Wheeler is good to travel to Canada.”

Injury Nuggets

• Johan Camargo (right knee strain) was running the bases and taking ground balls at Citizens Bank Park Thursday afternoon. Thomson said that as long as reports on the utility man’s workout are positive, he will “probably” start a rehab assignment for Triple-A Lehigh Valley Friday.
• Nick Maton (right shoulder sprain) will play seven innings at second base for Low-A Clearwater Thursday.
• Zach Eflin (right knee) “did a little touch and feel in the bullpen and he did some PFP,” per Thomson, who says that “it went very well” for the 28-year-old.
• Ranger Suárez (back) will play catch Thursday, getting up to 60 feet. Both Eflin and Suárez will travel on the nine-game roadtrip with the Phillies.
• Connor Brogdon (COVID-related IL) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley Thursday.

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