The Phillies open a three-game series in Arizona on Tuesday night. Zach Eflin will accompany the team on the trip. That can be extrapolated to mean he's not quite ready to go out on a minor-league rehab assignment.
Nonetheless, Eflin says the bout of right knee tendinitis that has had him on the injured list for almost a month has cleared up. The right-hander threw 28 pitches to hitters on Sunday morning. That was preceded by a full bullpen warmup.
"It went as good as it could have," Eflin said. "This was the biggest test so far. I was able to step on the gas. It felt great. Mission accomplished."
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Eflin said he doesn't know what the next step in his recovery will entail. He could throw to hitters in a simulated game situation again on the trip before heading off to get some innings in the minor leagues. General manager Sam Fuld has said the team expects Eflin to be back before the month is over.
Rhys Hoskins will also be on the trip. He is eligible to come off the IL on Tuesday but will probably need a little more time.
In other injury news, Vince Velasquez, out with a blister on his pitching hand, will pitch for the Clearwater club on minor-league rehab Tuesday night. Sam Coonrod has recovered from his forearm strain. He has been pitching in the minors and is on target to be activated when he's eligible next week.
Pitcher Chase Anderson, who had been out with a sore triceps, was activated from the IL and Adonis Medina was sent back to Triple A.
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