The Phillies placed another player, outfielder Travis Jankowski, on the COVID-related injured list Sunday morning.
They also optioned left-handed pitcher Cristopher Sanchez to Triple A.
Replacing them on the Phils’ active roster are right-hander Chase Anderson and outfielder Mickey Moniak.
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Anderson had been on the COVID-related IL since early June and had spent the month of July on a minor-league rehab assignment. The clock on that rehab assignment was set to expire on July 30.
Anderson and Moniak were both active for Sunday’s game. Anderson will serve as a long reliever for the time being. Spencer Howard is scheduled to start Monday.
It might not take long for Anderson to make his way back into the Phillies’ rotation. Vince Velasquez has a 7.15 ERA against every team other than the Marlins and has failed to complete three innings in two of his last three starts. Matt Moore has averaged 4⅓ in his starts. Spencer Howard has averaged less than 3⅓ innings in his.
Anderson was signed to a one-year, $3 million contract by the Phillies this past offseason. He and Matt Moore (one year, $4 million) were brought in to try to firm up the back of the Phils’ rotation. It has not worked out to this point.
MLB
The Phillies are desperate for starting pitching help, especially with Zach Eflin sidelined by knee tendinitis. Anderson, who has not pitched six innings in a game since June of 2019, would not exactly be a savior. The trade deadline is five days away and starting pitching help is right at the top of Dave Dombrowski’s list of needs. It may be an even bigger need for the Phils now than bullpen help.
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