Phillies Activate Eflin and Alvarado But Hoskins Done for season

When the Phillies activated Rhys Hoskins from the injured list on Sunday they got an offensive boost.  In his two games back with the Phillies, Hoskins hit three home runs.  But defense was a challenge for Hoskins, and it was clear he could not play every day.

Hoskins had a rough night in the field, missing a few hard-hit ground balls, and even missed played a pop up in foul territory on Wednesday Night.

So on Thursday the Phillies announced they were placing Hoskins back on the 10-day injured list, shortly after that announcement, Hoskins told reporters his 2021 season is over:

The 2021 season marks the third year in Hoskins career that he compiled at least 27 Home Runs and his 71 RBI is the most on the Phillies this season.  Before Hoskins return from his last stint on the Disabled List, the Phillies Offense was struggling with a 2.86 Runs Per Game in the 14 games before he returned this past weekend.

The Phillies added back to the active roster starter Zach Eflin Thursday evening, after missing five weeks of action because of patellar tendinitis in his right knee.

However, the team announced they have scratched Eflin from Thursday game and will start Matt Moore in his place. Phillies manager Joe Girardi told reporters during a pre-game news conference that Eflin still feels something in his knee.

Eflin has a 4.17 ERA with a 1.249 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts in 105 2/3 innings this season in 18 starts.

The team also activated lefty reliever Jose Alvarado, after missing time with a mild left shoulder impingement.

The return of Eflin gives the Phillies a very strong five-man rotation and having Alvarado gives the Phillies more depth in their bullpen with a left-handed power arm.

The Phillies also designated for assignment the contract of pitcher Chase Anderson.

The Phillies signed Anderson to a one-year, $3 million deal this past offseason to add starting pitcher depth.  The Phillies did not get much for their investment; Anderson went 2-4 with a 6.75 earned run average in nine starts and five relief appearances over 48 innings pitcher.

While the Phillies will surely miss their first baseman, one option down the line could be a return of Alec Bohm.  Bohm, who was sent down to Lehigh Valley, could be back when the rosters expand and give the Phillies another option at first base.  Another possibility is Freddy Galvis, who was working out at first base earlier this week.  Joe Girardi also indicated that he would get some time there.