Elvis Araujo has left Lehigh Valley for the Phillies bullpen (Frank Klose/Philliedelphia)
Last night the Phillies grabbed pitcher Phil Klein from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start in place of the injured Aaron Nola. Klein, who started just four times for the IronPigs and once for the Rangers organization at Triple-A Round Rock, really was not stretched out and gave the Phillies five innings, the most he had gone all season. The game went 12 innings total, and the Phillies needed some bullpen help.
So, the Phillies made a move, sending Klein back to Triple-A and recalling left-handed reliever Elvis Araujo:
LHP Elvis Araujo has been recalled from Lehigh Valley (AAA).
— Phillies (@Phillies) August 4, 2016
There are two notable ramifications to this move.
While as of last night the Phillies felt that Jeanmar Gomez would return in time for Thursday's game, it appears that Gomez is not yet ready. Reliever Michael Mariot took Gomez's spot last night and very well may continue in the bullpen. In his postgame press conference, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin offered high praise for Mariot's outing.
Second, the move makes it pretty clear that Jake Thompson will make his next start as a member of the Phillies Major League rotation. By sending Klein to the minors, rules require that he spend 10 days in the minor leagues, provided an injury does not necessitate a move sooner. That means Klein will not be making another start for the Phillies in the next 10 days. Thompson, who started on Sunday, very well may join the Phillies by the weekend to make a start in San Diego.
