The Phillies were so short on pitching heading into the 2015 season that they had to turn back to someone the team cut to get a starter. Sean O'Sullivan, sent to minor league camp on March 30, ended up being the Phillies' fifth starter when they needed one April 12. Now, after two O'Sullivan starts, the Phillies are short again.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports:
The Phillies today placed him on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his left knee. They recalled right-hander Hector Neris from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take O’Sullivan’s place on the roster, and announced right-hander Dustin McGowan will start in O’Sullivan’s place tomorrow afternoon against the Marlins.
McGowan was mostly a starter coming up, but health concerns moved McGowan to the bullpen.
McGowan, who suffers from Type 1 diabetes, missed 2009, 2010, and 2012 with various injuries. Some thought that McGowan's move to the bullpen would be beneficial to his long-term health. But with no real options, the Phillies will give McGowan the opportunity to start. McGowan probably cannot go deep into the game until he is stretched out, meaning the bullpen will be extra taxed.
The Phillies also will not have another one of their arms to fill in anytime soon. Chad Billingsley, who the Phillies had hoped would join the major league team by the end of April, has reportedly suffered a setback. After missing a start three days ago with a stomach bug, Billingsley now has a "side ache" that has pushed back his rehab. Stephen Gross of the Allentown Morning Call reports that Billingsley needs at least three more minor league rehab starts before joining the Phillies.
