Phillies place José Alvarado on 15-day IL

The Phillies have had a plethora of injuries that they have had to deal with already this season and now have another big one.

José Alvarado, who has closed out five games so far this season and has a spectacular 1,88 ERA and 0.70 WHIP, has been placed on the 15-day IL, retroactive to May 8 with left elbow inflammation.

To take his place on the roster, the team has recalled Andrew Bellatti, who was on a rehab assignment.

Without Alvarado, the team will likely turn to guys like Craig Kimbrel, Gregory Soto and Seranthony Dominguez to close out games. The team also moved lefty Matt Strahm to the bullpen and could use him in situations where a lefty is needed in the ninth to close games out, like they did on Sunday against Boston.

Alvarado has been one of the best bullpen arms in baseball after being demoted after posting a 7.62 ERA back in May of last year.