According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies have placed pitcher on the 15-day disabled list, indicating that his season is likely ended. This is to make room on the 28-man roster for new pitcher Walker Buehler to join. José Alvarado has a left forearm strain, according to the team, and Matt Manning has been designated for assignment to free up a 40-man roster place. Buehler signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on August 31. Buehler is also eligible to appear on the Phillies’ postseason roster as an injury replacement. Buehler’s record this season is 7-7 with a 5.45 ERA in 23 games. Additionally, Buehler has a 5.90 FIP, a 1.53 K/BB rate, and a 1.56 WHIP this season.
Alvarado is unable to pitch in the postseason and is unlikely to pitch again given the number of games remaining. However, it is feasible that Alvarado will return when he becomes eligible for the last games of the regular season. The injured list placement is retroactive to September 11, therefore Alvarado would be eligible to return on September 26. That would allow Alvarado to pitch in the final three regular-season games. Alvarado is 4-2 this season, with a 3.81 ERA and seven saves in 28 appearances. Alvarado has a 3.60 FIP, 4.57 K/BB rate, and 1.31 WHIP this season.
Aside from the truncated 2020 season, this will be Alvarado’s shortest major league season, with only 26 innings pitched.
Phillies Pitcher Probably Done For The Season
Pitching Staff Effects
The Phillies bullpen is now down to three left-handed arms instead of four with José Alvarado landing on the injured list. Tim Mayza, who joined the club on August 31, slots in as the third southpaw reliever behind Tanner Banks and Matt Strahm, both of whom carried the left side through the summer while Alvarado served his suspension. Overall, the bullpen will feature eight pitchers, as the team shifts to a six-man starting rotation. Banks has been particularly effective and one of the more reliable options in relief this year. Still, the Phillies have less bullpen flexibility than most opponents, since teams are permitted to carry 14 pitchers in September—no more than what’s allowed in other months before rosters expand on September 1.
Rotation Adjustments
With Walker Buehler now in the fold, the Phillies are moving to a six-man rotation, giving their regular starters an extra day of rest between appearances. This added cushion could be key as the team edges closer to locking up a postseason berth. Signed on August 31—the final day for playoff eligibility—Buehler is expected to have a real shot at securing a spot on the postseason roster. He’ll also be competing for a role in the playoff rotation, though one or two rotation slots still remain unsettled heading into October.
