PHILADELPHIA – The Phillies are without three of their mainstays in José Alvarado, Alec Bohm, and Aaron Nola. Manager Rob Thomson provided updates on both Alvarado and Bohm prior to Sunday night’s game against the Tigers.
Phillies’ Alvarado will be in town this week
Alvarado, who is still serving is 80-game PED suspension, is expected to work his way back into the bullpen after the lengthy hiatus.
“I would think I’d ease him back in,” Thomson said. “He’s been off for a long time. I know he;s thrown batting practice, but that’s just not the same. He’s going to be in Philly tomorrow, but not at the ballpark, but will come to ballpark on Tuesday.”
The flame-throwing lefty was having a solid season prior to his suspension, posting a 2.70 ERA in 20 appearances with seven saves.
Bohm getting closer
Thomson was also asked about the team’s third baseman in Bohm, who is working his way back from a fractured left rib.
“He’s hitting in the cage. I’m sure in the next couple days he’ll be outside hitting and doing some machine work. He’s getting close.”
Thomson eluded that the plan for Bohm is for him to start a rehab assignment to get him back up to speed after being out with the injury since July 18.
Bader Bombs
Newly added Harrison Bader, who is not in the starting lineup, put together an impressive batting practice, peppering the left field seats with home runs consistently, entertaining the fans hoping to catch one of them prior to the game.
Bader made his Phillies’ debut in the series opener on Friday as a pinch-hitter, drawing a walk in his first plate appearance and scoring a run in the impressive 5-4 comeback to open up the series.
Cristopher Sanchez (9-3, 2.55 ERA) will go against veteran Charlie Morton (7-8, 5.42 ERA) in the rubber match of the three-game series on Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
