Phillies Place Arrieta on IL, Season “Probably” Done

We learned the news was not good for Phillies starter Jake Arrieta after his last start.  Lasting just three innings, Arrieta sounded despondent after the game about his future.  Wednesday afternoon we learned that the news is not good.

Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Arrieta has been places on the 10-day injured list. Breen quotes Arrieta himself saying his season is “probably over”.  Arrieta May undergo surgery to address the bone chips in his elbow, first revealed some time ago.

Replacing Arrieta in the starting rotation will be Zach Eflin.  Eflin was demoted to the bullpen after the acquisition of Jason Vargas on July 29.  Eflin had struggled in the starting rotation.

Replacing Arrieta on the roster for now is outfielder and first baseman Logan Morrison.  Morrison was hitting .365 in 18 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Morrison will try to help boost the Phillies offense.

Rosters expand on August 31 to 28 players, so the Phillies potentially could carry seven in the bullpen until then.  There are three days off between now and August 31 that could help the Phillies manage a smaller bullpen. However, with starters rarely pitching six or more innings, the Phillies might miss an extra reliever.

Phillies left-handed outfielder Corey Dickerson is dealing with a bruised hand.  Morrison could help the Phillies work past that injury, which though it may not require an injured list stint, could use a few days to heal.

The Phillies signed Arrieta to a guaranteed three years and $75 million prior to the 2018 season.  Arrieta is due $20 million in 2020, but has a player opt-out available.  Given the injury, it’s unlikely he would match that salary if he went elsewhere.