PHILADELPHIA — The Phillies and Braves had their game on Wednesday rained out, forcing a split doubleheader on Thursday to continue the three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. The biggest storyline coming into the first game is the status of Bryce Harper after he was hit by a Spencer Strider fastball on his surgically repaired right elbow Tuesday.
Reports came out later during the game that it was just an elbow contusion and the X-rays were negative for the slugging first baseman. Harper is not in the lineup for the first game of the doubleheader. Alec Bohm is playing first base today.
As for a timeline of when the Phillies can expect their All-Star back in the lineup, it remains to be seen according to Rob Thomson.
“He hasn’t even swung a bat yet. I wouldn’t put him in a game until he feels comfortable swinging a bat.”
Thomson said he was unsure if Harper could be available for the second game of the doubleheader.
Extra Arm for the Phillies
The team announced earlier Thursday morning that they added right-hander Brett de Geus (duh-GUS) from Triple-A Lehigh Valley as the 27th man to the roster for the doubleheader. The 23-year-old has pitched in 60 career big league games all out of the bullpen for Texas, Arizona, Seattle, Miami and Toronto in just two seasons. Last year with the Mariners, Marlins and Blue Jays he appeared in 13 games and pitched to a 7.15 ERA in 11.1 innings of work. This season in 13 appearances with the IronPigs he is 3-1 with an 0.95 ERA in 19 innings of work. He will wear number 74.
“He’s pitched very well and gets right-handed hitters out very well. It’s a good arm and he’s pitched in the big leagues before so he’s comfortable,” Thomson said on the newest
Zack Wheeler asked to pitch the night game
Wheeler who was initially scheduled to pitch Wednesday is toeing the rubber for the Phillies in the backend of the twin bill. Thomson said it was pretty much Wheeler’s decision.
Wheeler will go up against Chris Sale in the series finale later tonight. First pitch is schedule for 1:05 p.m. for the first game while the second game will follow at 6:45 p.m.
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
