Zach Wheeler went 6 innings and gave up 4 hits in the Phillies 6-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds
It doesn't sound as if first baseman Rhys Hoskins will be ready to come off the injured list when he's eligible to do so Tuesday.
Hoskins, sidelined with a left groin strain, had an injection of anti-inflammatory medication on Friday.
"It's getting better every day," he said Saturday. "I got the injection to kind of help speed the process. Typically, you're supposed to take a day at least to let it set in. A lot of it is just re-strengthening the muscle and seeing how it responds."
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SIGN UP HERE Hoskins initially injured the groin making a play in the field against Washington on July 29. He sat out the next three games, came back for four but had to shut down last week mostly because his mobility was limited and quick movements caused pain. He has not tested the groin by running. He will need to do that in the coming days before he is cleared to play.
The Phillies open a six-game trip to Arizona and San Diego on Tuesday night. Hoskins will be with the club, ramping up his baseball activities. He still hopes to be activated sometime next week.
Despite missing the last seven games, Hoskins leads the Phillies in homers (24) and RBIs (68). His bat is crucial to the team's playoff chances.
"We're in the second, third week of August and here we are in first place," he said. "These games are getting more and more intense. Shoot, man, this is why we play the game. It's tough being out."
MLB
ROSTER MOVES
The Phillies activated left-handed reliever Bailey Falter from the COVID-related IL before Saturday's game against the Reds. He is the only lefty in the Phillies' nine-man bullpen.
In addition, the Phils recalled right-hander Adonis Medina from Triple A. He will work out of the bullpen.
Outfielder Mickey Moniak was sent to Triple A and reliever David Paulino was designated for assignment.
GETTING CLOSER
Before the game, Vince Velasquez pitched to a group of hitters that included Freddy Galvis. The veteran infielder is getting close to testing his injured quad in minor-league games and could be ready for big-league game action in a week or so.
Galvis will give manager Joe Girardi another option at third base. Ronald Torreyes got the start there again Saturday. Alec Bohm's playing time has shrunk as he's struggled at the plate and in the field. Girardi on Friday said there were no plans to send Bohm to the minors.
Velasquez is on the IL with a blister issue.
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