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.
MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION
- Phillies Nation Top 15 Prospects
- Tom McCarthy Reflects On Hectic September, Son’s Success And Broadcast Future
- The Phillies Now Own The Longest Postseason Drought In MLB
- How Many Wins Do The Phillies Need To Make The Playoffs?
- Didi Gregorius Set To Play In Puerto Rican Winter League
- Grading Each Of The Phillies’ Trade Deadline Pickups To This Point
- Report: Phillies Would Be ‘Eager Suitors’ For Xander Bogaerts
- ‘It’s A Pretty Split Subject’: Phillies React To New MLB Rules Set To Take Effect In 2023
- J.T. Realmuto’s All-Around Excellence Could Lead To Down-Ballot MVP Votes
- Phillies 2022 Walk-Up Songs
