Phillies rehabilitating their injuries have given the IronPigs somewhat of a new look. Winning is not part of that look.
About Last Night
Philadelphia beat-writers bristled at the short notice given that LHP Jose Alvarado would be activated on a rehab basis and pitch last night. But, it’s been telegraphed all week, if you’ve been reading this column you knew it was something to look out for. Plus, the Phillies were off yesterday and Alvarado and 3B Alec Bohm were both working out with the team all afternoon. That was right here in yesterday’s column.
RHP Gabe Mosser pitched very well, but the ‘Pigs bats were silent and Scranton’s Allan Winans continues to have a good year. The addition of Alvarado gave the IronPigs an extra arm following the 16 inning of Wednesday night and a late 0-2 deficit looked like something that could be overcome. But it wasn’t. Two more late runs for the RailRiders and despite scratching across one run the ‘Pigs fell 4-1.
Roster Update
As above, Alvarado was added on rehab. He’s wearing #22. How long will he be with the team? Well, he can’t be activated until 8/19, so, until then? I’m wondering whether he gets on the bus to Buffalo–see below. Oh, one more thing. Alvarado’s suspension was due to testing positive for exogenous testosterone. It was caused by weight loss pills he was taking in the off-season. It was a grave error, yes, but he wasn’t cycling horse steroids or anything.
Justin Crawford Watch: He had the night off, which had Phillies fans abuzz, thinking perhaps he was on the plane to Texas for the Phillies weekend series with the Rangers. Not so. He usually gets a night off around the weekend. He pinch-hit late, and scored the IronPigs only run.
Aaron Nola Rehab: Nothing official on when–or where–his next start will be. They want him on a regular schedule but there are no local games on Monday. Here’s my take: If they think he might only need one more start, then he’ll stay local and start for Reading at home on Tuesday. If they think he needs two more starts, then he’ll get on the bus to Buffalo and start for the IronPigs Tuesday and Sunday. If Wheeler needs an Injured List stint, then maybe he gets activated at some point sooner than either of those scenarios.
Alec Bohm Rehab: I would expect it to start today, barring any setback. Maybe DH? But who knows, because hanging out with Triple-A teammates in Allentown is better for the ribs than sitting on a plane to Texas. Not everyone has the disdain for Allentown that Russian Goalies seem to have.
RHP David Robertson and OF Johan Rojas: Officially, both are here via option. Robertson pitched last night in his first back-to-back scenario this season. Rojas has been a fixture in the outfield and will be ready to return to the Phillies any time when/if they need him. I believe Robertson is eligible to get called up whenever they deem him ready.
What happens next week? Given all the new facility in Reading, I would bet that most of the MLB rehab guys will have their rehabs transferred to Reading next week rather than riding the bus to Buffalo. We’re alternating with Reading for the rest of the season, so that makes this kind of thing easy.
Game Day!
Welcome to Fefe’s Version!
Game Time: 7:05PM
Gates: 5:45PM Main/East/Center Field; 5:30PM West/Club/Suites
Tickets: This is a tight one. Only GA available through the team. Secondary market does have some options.
Promotions:
- “Fefe’s Version”
- Post-Game Fireworks
Weather: 76° and sunny at game time, minimal wind. Might drop to the mid-60’s by the end of the fireworks show.
Pitching:
IronPigs: TBD (I really don’t have a clue what they’re gonna do. Is Waguespack going to come off the Injured List? Is he even eligible? Another bullpen jawn? Medina moves up a day?). Upcoming: We have Adonis Medina scheduled for tomorrow and Andrew Painter for Sunday.
RailRiders: RHP Sean Boyle (7-7, 4.32) He took the loss on opening night here at Coca Cola Park.
See you at the park,
@Kram207
Featured Image by Cheryl Pursell. It has been cropped to fit the space.
FYI: The “Russian Goalie” references have been aimed at Kolosov who can’t play well for the Phantoms because Allentown makes him depressed. Or something like that.