José Alvarado is nearing a return to Phillies, what the rotation will look like through Saturday

José Alvarado (left elbow inflammation) is getting closer to a return to the Phillies bullpen.

The left-hander, who was placed on the injured list on July 9, threw a live batting practice at Citizens Bank Park prior to Friday’s series opener against the Minnesota Twins.

When approached by reporters in the clubhouse following the outing, Alvarado said he feels “good” and that he would return “soon.”

Alvarado said his live BP today went well. He threw about 20 pitches. Says he’ll throw a light bullpen on Sunday, take a day off Monday, pitch Tuesday on a rehab assignment (likely in LV). Says it’s possible he could return by the series in Washington next weekend

— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) August 11, 2023

Thomson said that Alvarado will throw a bullpen session on Sunday and go to Lehigh Valley on Tuesday for at least a couple rehab outings. The Phillies manager said last week that they hope to get him back the week of the next roadtrip to Toronto, Washington and Williamsport, so it looks like Alvarado is on track to make that happen.

When he’s healthy, Alvarado has been one of the best relievers in baseball. He has a 1.38 ERA in 26 games in 2023. He missed about a month from mid-May to June with a similar injury.

The Phillies bullpen could use its best high leverage arm. Since Alvarado’s last outing on July 6, Gregory Soto and Jeff Hoffman have both pitched in 13 of the last 30 games. Craig Kimbrel has pitched in 14 of the last 30 games.

All three pitchers have an ERA under four since Alvarado went on the IL for the second time this season, but even the best bullpens are in need of a boost and the Phillies could be getting a big one when Alvarado returns.

What the rotation looks like

With Michael Lorenzen needing 124 pitches to get through a no-hitter on Wednesday, Thomson has decided to stick with the six-man rotation for at least one more time through the order. Here’s what the rotation looks like through next Saturday. The Phillies will move up Nola and give Lorenzen eight days of rest:

• Saturday, Aug. 12: RHP Taijuan Walker
• Sunday, Aug. 13: LHP Ranger Suárez
• Tuesday, Aug. 15: RHP Zack Wheeler
• Wednesday, Aug. 16: RHP Aaron Nola
• Friday, Aug. 18: RHP Micheal Lorenzen
• Saturday, Aug. 19: Cristopher Sánchez

Phillies Nation’s Tim Kelly contributed to this report.

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