Edmundo Sosa, Brad Hand could return for wild card round

WASHINGTON — The Phillies have to get there first, but two injured players could return to the team for the start of the wild card round.

Edmundo Sosa (right hamstring strain) is making terrific progress at the Phillies’ “stay ready” camp back in Philadelphia. He’s running at 90%, taking ground balls and could begin taking live batting practice on Monday.

“He’s really doing well,” Rob Thomson said. “It’s surprising to me. Hamstring injuries can sometimes linger for a long time. We’re not out of the woods yet, but he’s coming along fine.”

Thomson said it’s possible Sosa is ready for the beginning of the National League wild card round on Friday. Same goes for Brad Hand, who threw from 120 feet today. He could pitch off the mound Monday and if that goes well, he could throw a bullpen on Wednesday.

Hand has been out since Sept. 22 with left elbow tendinitis. Sosa suffered a hamstring injury after running to first base during a game against the Marlins on Sept. 15.

He’s not near the top of the Phillies’ potential playoff bullpen options, but Hand will likely be on the team’s postseason roster if healthy. Sosa could be a late-inning defensive replacement and given the fact that Jean Segura and Nick Maton both spent time at shortstop this week, getting Sosa and his elite defense back would be huge.

Sosa was also swinging the bat well before the injury. In 59 plate appearances since he was traded to Philadelphia from St. Louis, Sosa slashed .315/.345/.593.

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