Cliff Lee reinjures elbow

Jul 31, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee (33) leaves the game after suffering an apparent arm injury during the third inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Phillies starter Cliff Lee left Thursday night’s game against the Washington Nationals in the third inning with a left flexor pronator strain, CSN’s Jim Salisbury reports.

The elbow strain is the same injury which kept Lee off the mound for the Phillies for two months already this season.  It’s likely that pitch 31 to Denard Span was his last for the season.  After the pitch it was clear Lee was in pain and he motioned right away for the trainer.

Lee had been a big name in trade rumors up until Thursday’s 4 pm non-waiver trade deadline, but the Phillies failed to move him or anyone else on the roster.  It’s possible he would have been placed on waivers in August, but before that he’ll probably be placed on the disabled list.

The injury came in Lee’s third start off a DL stint.  He’d been shaky, giving up nine runs on 21 hits in just 10.2 innings in his previous two starts.  In Thursday’s game he only made it 2.2 innings, but had only given up one hit while striking out four.

As for a replacement, David Buchanan will probably be called up to fill in for the injured Lee.  Buchanan spent time with the club earlier this season, but was sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley when Grady Sizemore was called up.  The last start for Buchanan (5-5) at the big-league level came on July 10th.  He has a 4.40 ERA.

If Buchanan moves up he can do so without skipping a beat.  He also started Thursday like Lee.  In 7.1 innings Lee was sharp, earning a win while allowing one run and striking out five.