Daniel Stump is currently rehabbing at Double-A Reading (Frank Klose/Philliedelphia)
The Phillies bullpen has seen many come and go in recent days, thanks to injuries and poor performance. Recently, the Phillies added right-handed reliever Severino Gonzalez and sent Elvis Araujo to Triple-A Lehigh Valley as the team was getting fewer innings from their starting pitchers in recent days. In their final series before the All-Star Break, the Phillies could see some extra relief.
Ryan Lawrence of the Philly Voice provided an update on two Phillies relievers:
Andrew Bailey will begin a minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A tomorrow. Daniel Stumpf is scheduled to rejoin Phillies on Sunday.
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) July 5, 2016
Both players are good bets for the Major League roster when eligible.
Bailey suffered a minor injury against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis and was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 23. That means Bailey could be activated as soon as Friday. With the Phillies skipping starter Aaron Nola a start, the club will need the extra bullpen help. Should Adam Morgan start a game, he may not go very deep. The Phillies could use the relievers they plan to move to make room for Bailey the next day.
Stumpf was suspended 80 games back in April for testing positive for the steroid commonly known as Turinabol. Stumpf served his suspension and has recently been pitching at Double-A Reading in a "rehab" assignment to prepare for his return to the roster. Even though Stumpf had an ERA of 40.50, the Phillies must add him to the Major League roster or lose him. The Phillies need to carry Stumpf through the season to retain his rights, something much easier come September 1 when rosters expand.
In other reliever news, right-handed reliever Dalier Hinojosa was activated from the disabled list and sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Most likely, Gonzalez and Edubray Ramos will be the ones sent to the minors to make room for Stumpf and Bailey. Even though both have pitched well, they have minor league options that the Phillies can use to make room immediately.
