Phillies pitcher Adam Morgan got one last chance to show that he belonged in a Major League starting rotation. With the Phillies giving starter Aaron Nola a mental break after his recent struggles Morgan got the nod at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. Instead of impressing the Phillies, Morgan got rocked once again. Tagged for six earned runs in five innings of work, Morgan now sits at 1-7 with a 6.55 earned run average.
So, already short on pitching this series thanks to Nola's break, the Phillies optioned Morgan to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after the game. While the Phillies announced that Morgan would be heading out, they did not announce a replacement for Morgan. The Phillies are set to make a couple of roster moves this weekend, so maybe the club will make one early.
Daniel Stumpf, suspended for 80 games after testing positive for the oral steroid Turinabol, will return to the club Sunday, unless the Phillies choose to offer his contract back to the Kansas City Royals. Andrew Bailey, on the disabled list since June 23 with a mild strain, is currently rehabbing in the minor leagues. Perhaps the Phillies will forego a further rehab assignment and bring Bailey right to Denver.
If the Phillies cannot get Bailey on the next flight to Denver in time for Friday, their options are limited without removing players from their 40-man roster. Mario Hollands is an active member of the 40-man roster, but he continues his unofficial Tommy John surgery rehab in the minor leagues. David Buchanan remains on the roster, but he pitched on Thursday night. Elvis Araujo has not been in the minor leagues long enough to be recalled.
Luis Garcia, Dalier Hinojosa, or Colton Murray could rejoin the Phillies. All three have minor league options and could help the Phillies until they are ready to welcome Bailey and Stumpf back. All three saw action with the Phillies this season.
Bailey threw one inning for the IronPigs on Wednesday and earned the save against Rochester. Bailey's return makes the most sense at this point. He may even be on a plane to Denver as we speak.
UPDATE: Bailey has been activated and will be available in the Phillies bullpen tonight in Denver against the Rockies.
