Phillies Place Stud Reliever Adam Morgan on 10-Day IL
By Sean Facey
The Philadelphia Phillies have placed one of the best relievers in baseball this year on the injured list.
Adam Morgan was placed on the 10-day injured list due to left a forearm strain. In a corresponding move, the Phillies recalled RHP Yacksel Ríos from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
#Phillies have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/Nm7Y49yy9x
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 29, 2019
The fifth-year starter-turned-reliever was in the midst of a breakout campaign. He's posted a 1.96 ERA in 24 appearances for the Phillies with a ridiculously low 0.709 WHIP, while striking out 18 over 18.1 innings.
It's a tough blow for a bullpen that ranks 18th in fWAR and 15th in FIP. Morgan joins a laundry list of relievers sidelined with injuries that includes free agent splurge David Robertson and two-time All-Star Pat Neshek.
Ríos will be returning to the big leagues for the first time all season. In 17 appearances at Lehigh Valley this year, he's sporting a 4.79 ERA with 23 strikeouts. He pitched 36 times in the bigs last year, struggling to the tune of a 6.75 ERA and 1.61 WHIP.
Another day, another injury to a #Phillies reliever. Adam Morgan to the injured list with a left forearm strain; Yacksel Rios recalled from triple-A. Morgan joins David Robertson, Tommy Hunter, Pat Neshek, Victor Arano on IL. Jose Alvarez becomes primary lefty.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) May 29, 2019
With the trade deadline just over two months away, it's possible that the Phillies might start pursuing the trade market for some bullpen talent.
Hopefully their injured arms can recover quickly and get back to pitching at the high level they were at before they landed on the injured list.