Zach Eflin is finally back with the Phillies after missing their last 67 games with right knee soreness.
The Phillies officially reinstated him from the 60-day injured list on Monday and he’ll join the active roster for Tuesday’s series opener in Miami. Bailey Falter will start that game.
Eflin returns as a multi-inning reliever who may be used a few times as an opener ahead of a left-handed pitcher. It’s a different role for the seven-year vet who’s made just five relief appearances compared to 115 big-league starts.
The Phils had to free up a 40-man roster spot to reinstate Eflin from the 60-day injured list and did so by placing Mark Appel on the 60-day IL with right elbow inflammation.
They already freed up the spot on their active roster by optioning left-hander Cristopher Sanchez to Triple A after Sunday’s win over the Nationals.
The Phillies’ pitching staff has gotten healthier over the last 48 hours with Seranthony Dominguez (triceps tendinitis) also returning from a month-long absence. He pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning Sunday.
Zack Wheeler remains out with right forearm tendinitis. He traveled with the team but will not return during this week’s trip to Miami and Atlanta. He’ll throw two bullpen sessions, one early in the week and one late, and could be back to start next week’s homestand which includes two games with the Blue Jays and four with the Braves.
The Phillies are 78-62 and have just seven regular-season series left. They currently occupy the second National League wild-card spot with a 1½-game lead over the Padres and a 3½-game lead over the Brewers.
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