Zach Eflin will make his 2018 MLB debut, taking Ben Lively's turn in the rotation. Lively was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a lower back strain.

To make room for Eflin on the active roster, Philadelphia optioned pitcher Jake Thompson to Triple-A Lehigh Valley

Eflin, 24, has been up-and-down for the Iron Pigs this season, with a 4.05 ERA and 15 strikeouts, over his first 20 innings and four starts. Acquired from the Dodgers in exchange for Jimmy Rollins, he is 4-10 with a 5.88 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 22 career big league starts over two seasons.

As for Lively, 26, he is just 0-2 with a 6.85 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in five starts.

The Phillies open a three-game set on Monday with the Miami Marlins.

More From 97.3 ESPN