By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor
Prior to the Philadelphia Phillies beginning their 26-game, 30-day stretch all against National League East opponents, a slew of news came out regarding the team โ including injury updates, a tribute to late executive David Montgomery, transactions, and more.
Injury Update
- RHP Seranthony Dominguez (elbow) received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection from Dr. James Andrews, and will be re-evaluated in three weeks. The right-hander will not undergo Tommy John surgery as of yet.
- RHP Tommy Hunter (elbow flexor strain) could begin a rehab assignment with Advanced-A Clearwater on Monday. Hunter has missed the entire season to date.
- OF Andrew McCutchen underwent surgery to repair his torn left ACL on Friday. McCutchen hit .256 with 10 home runs and 29 RBI in his first season in a Phillies uniform.
Getting surgery tomorrow morning guys. Little nervous but ready to start this process of recovery. So with that being said…letโs get this ball rolling๐๐พ
โ andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) June 14, 2019
- Pat Neshek (right rotator cuff inflammation) could be activated from the injured list as early as Sunday. Neshek has been sidelined for the last three weeks; this season, he has posted an uncharacteristic 4.67 ERA spanning 17 1/3 innings.
- Roman Quinn (groin) had his rehab assignment transferred to Double-A Reading. He is a candidate to be activated this weekend.
Tribute to Montgomery
Didnโt expect anything less from the @Braves organization. Incredible gestures for #DPM @phillies #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/ibqSSNqNLL
โ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐๐ฒ๐ป (@KevinFrandsen) June 14, 2019
With the Phillies playing on the road in Atlanta for the first time this season starting on Friday, the club's division rivals paid tribute to their late executive David Montgomery prior to the game.
Thompson to the Hall
Phillies bench coach Rob Thomson will be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday. In his absence, Bobby Dickerson will assume bench coach duties, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber. Former MLB All-Stars Ryan Dempster and Jason Bay, along with Brewers VP Gord Ash, will also be inducted.
K-Rod Inks International Contract
Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez, who last year appeared with the Phillies in spring training and in independent ball with the Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks, recently signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League, according to The Athletic's Robert Murray.
K-Rod, 37, ranks fourth on the all-time saves (437) list behind only Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601), and Lee Smith (478). K-Rod still wants to pitch in the majors again, per Murray.
Phillies Add Miller, Designate Gosselin; Sign Curtiss to Minor-League Deal
Welcome to the phamily, Brad! pic.twitter.com/aH4MiRe5uC
โ Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 14, 2019
The Phillies made their acquisition of utility player Brad Miller from the New York Yankees official, as well as their signing of RHP John Curtiss to a minor-league contract. As the corresponding move to Miller's contract selection from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the Phillies designated infielder Phil Gosselin for assignment.
Curtiss recently elected free agency after being taken off from the Los Angeles Angels' 40-man roster; the right-hander has a 6.75 ERA over 18 career MLB appearances. Gosselin batted just .245/.260/.306 in 50 plate appearances with the Phillies this season. He likely will clear waivers. Miller will wear No. 33.
Best of luck to Phil Gosselin who the #Phillies designated for assignment
Gosselin grew up in West Chester a big Phillies fan and called it a dream come true to play for the Phillies this season @6abc #RingTheBell https://t.co/SxnSt9jkHc
โ Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) June 14, 2019
Irvin Returns to Rotation?
Southpaw Cole Irvin is slated to start for the Phillies in Sunday's series finale against the Braves, barring how the club uses its bullpen in the first two games of the series, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. The rookie has posted a 5.48 ERA over three starts and one relief appearance; his last start came on May 22, away against the Chicago Cubs.