Zachary Engberg
2 min read • October 11, 2022
Posted in
The Phillies moved on to a matchup with the Braves on the backs of strong starts from Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. They enter as the healthier team, despite numerous injury issues all season.
A big issue affecting the division series is the loss of David Robertson, who reportedly suffered a calf strain celebrating a Bryce Harper home run against the Cardinals.
Robertson’s absence will add strain to an already thin Phillies bullpen.
Harper and second baseman Jean Segura both missed much of the second half for the Phillies after suffering fractured fingers but the offense remained strong, helping jump-start their playoff resurgence that featured a 66-46 record since June 1 and a 15-20 record since August 28.
Harper hasn’t played in the outfield since early Spring because of a torn right UCL but the injury hasn’t hindered his hitting and the 29-year-old has 18 home runs with 65 RBI on an .878 OPS in 99 games this season.
Slugger Kyle Schwarber played through a calf issue for much of the regular second half but still took the NL home run crown with a career-best 46 – and a league-most 200 strikeouts – in 155 games.
The rest of the Phillies’ key position players – including right fielder Nick Castellanos, third baseman Alec Bohm, first baseman Rhys Hoskins, and catcher J.T. Realmuto – have been available and effective at the plate.
Their major remaining holdout is versatile reserve infielder Edmundo Soto, who suffered a hamstring strain on Sept. 15 and is still working out to see if he’s ready to return on Friday.
No. 1 starter Zack Wheeler missed a month with right forearm tendonitis but returned on Sept. 21 and has allowed one run and struck out 15 batters in 15 innings since.
Late reliever Brad Hand – one of 12 Phillies to record a save this season – is on the 15-day IL with left elbow tendonitis but reportedly could return for the series.
Written by Zachary Engberg
