Zach Eflin set for MLB debut as Phillies eye sweep against Marcus Stroman, Blue Jays

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(Frank Klose/Philliedelphia)

By: Matt Rappa, managing editor

TORONTO — Replacing injured Philadelphia Phillies (30-34) RHP Vince Velasquez — who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right biceps strain on Friday — will be RHP Zach Eflin for his Major League debut in the series finale against RHP Marcus Stroman and the Toronto Blue Jays (35-31) Tuesday afternoon at the Rogers Centre.

Eflin, 22, was acquired along with southpaw Tom Windle from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for franchise hits leader, shortstop Jimmy Rollins on Dec. 19, 2014. The trade came 366 days after the Dodgers acquired Eflin from the San Diego Padres — the team that drafted him 33rd overall in the 2012 amateur draft — in the five-player trade centered around two-time All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp.

The Orlando, Florida, native's promotion makes him the third-youngest active MLB pitcher — trailing just Dodgers LHP Julio Urias (19) and Blue Jays RHP Roberto Osuna (21).

Eflin will wear No. 56, last worn by RHP Nefi Ogando (2015), LHP Cesar Jimenez (2013-2015) and RHP Joe Blanton (2008-2012).


Starting Pitching Matchup:

Philadelphia Phillies (30-34) Toronto Blue Jays (35-31)
RHP Zach Eflin RHP Marcus Stroman
(Triple-A: 5-2, 2.90 ERA) (5-2, 4.94 ERA)

Zach Eflin — Age: 22;

  • Last Start: June 9, 2016, at GWN (Triple-A): L, 5.1 IP, H, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO
  • Career vs. TOR: N/A

In 11 starts this season with the IronPigs, Eflin was 5-2 with a 2.90 ERA and 0.878 WHIP ratio (second-best in the International League) over 68.1 innings.

Eflin was 8-6 with a 3.69 ERA and 1.208 WHIP in 23 starts last season with Double-A Reading.

Marcus Stroman — Age: 25;

  • Last Start: June 9, 2016, vs. BAL: ND, 5.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, BB, 2 SO, HR
  • Career vs. PHI: (1-0), 2 G, 0 GS, 2.2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO, 0.00 ERA

Stroman previously faced the Phillies in what was just his second and third career appearances on the mound: May 6 and May 8, 2014, respectively. Both were out of the bullpen in a similar home-and-home series between the two clubs and account for one-third of his six career relief appearances.

Since then, the right-hander has received a winning decision in more than half of his 37 career starts, 19. In four of his past five starts, however, he has failed to pitch at least six innings, allowing a total of 25 earned runs on 44 hits and 11 walks over 29 2/3 innings.


Starting Lineups:

Philadelphia Phillies (30-34) Toronto Blue Jays (35-31)
  Position Player Bats   Position Player Bats
1 CF  Odubel Herrera  L 1 DH  Jose Bautista
2 SS  Freddy Galvis  2 3B  Josh Donaldson 
3 3B  Andres Blanco  3 1B  Edwin Encarnacion
4 1B  Tommy Joseph  4 LF   Michael Saunders
5 DH  Ryan Howard  5 Russell Martin 
6 Cameron Rupp  6 RF  Ezequiel Carrera 
7 LF  Cody Asche  7 CF  Kevin Pillar 
8 2B  Cesar Hernandez  8 2B  Devon Travis 
9 RF  Peter Bourjos  9 SS  Ryan Goins 




Broadcast Information:

  • First pitch: 12:37 p.m.
  • TV: CSN, MLBN
  • Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP

Game Notes:

  • The Phillies are 11-12 all-time at the Rogers Centre and will look to return to .500 at the venue for the first time since June 17, 2012 (9-9). While the Phillies have outhit the Blue Jays 216 to 215 over these 23 contests, they have been outscored 119 to 107.
  • Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco missed the series opener, as he is listed day-to-day with a mild right knee sprain suffered in Sunday's series finale against the Washington Nationals.
  • Right-hander Luis Garcia was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday to make room for Eflin on the 25-man roster. He has now been recalled and optioned twice this season, posting a 6.00 ERA and 1.667 WHIP ratio in two appearances and three innings on the mound.

Standings:

(entering June 14, 2016)


What's Next:

  • Wednesday, June 15, 2016: vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 7:05 p.m.
    • Citizens Bank Park
    • RHP Marco Estrada (4-2, 2.57 ERA) vs. RHP Jeremy Hellickson (4-4, 4.34 ERA)
    • TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
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