For the second year in a row, the Phillies added a veteran starter to their rotation to create some depth. For the second year in a row, the veteran depth has been the first starting pitcher to suffer an injury. Clay Buchholz, in just his second start of the season, departed early in Tuesday’s game against the New York Mets. The early diagnosis: a strained flexor tendon.
Buchholz allowed six earned runs in two and two-thirds innings before departing. It is unclear whether the strain had affected Buchholz throughout his start, or if it occurred at the moment Buchholz departed the game. Either way, the news is not good for the Phillies.
There is no word yet as to the extent of the strain, but it appears the Phillies might be forced to place Buchholz on the disabled list.
Phillies manager Pete Mackanin seemed to suggest that such a move would be likely. However, Buchholz will have an MRI and other tests tomorrow to figure out the extent of the injury.
The Phillies activated and optioned starter Zach Eflin to Triple-A earlier on Tuesday. Eflin made his first start for the IronPigs, going five shutout innings. Pitching Eflin in Buchholz's place would keep him pitching on his usual day.
However, Eflin's start was limited due to his recovery from knee surgery. The Phillies could instead turn to Jake Thompson to take Buchholz's next start. The Phillies have off days Thursday and Monday, which means they could line up the rotation to add Thompson, who pitches tomorrow. Thompson allowed nine earned runs in just two and one-third innings in his season debut.
