Phillies Bring Zach Eflin Back Into the Starting Rotation

The Phillies made the most obvious roster move of the season official

Clay Buchholz going onto the disabled list with a forearm injury may just be a blessing in disguise for the Phillies. With a hole in the starting rotation, the club can continue to evaluate their young pitching staff while staying competitive throughout the season.

As predicted by many, the Phillies will replace Buchholz with 23-year-old Zach Eflin, who returns after rehabbing from knee surgery. He’s scheduled to pitch Tuesday against the Marlins at home, where he hold opposing batters to a .221 average.

Replacing veteran Charlie Morton last year Eflin started 11 games for Philadelphia. After a rocky debut against a potent Blue Jays lineup, Eflin found his stride.

Acquired in the Jimmy Rollins trade with the Dodgers, Eflin had a four-game stretch in the month of July with a 1.80 ERA and two complete games.

Chronic knee pain derailed the 6’6 righty, who underwent double-knee surgery after being placed on the disabled list in August.

A rehab start and a separate appearance in Lehigh Valley for Eflin proved to the Phillies he’s ready to return and start every fifth day in the major leagues.

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Should Eflin reestablish the pitcher he was in July there’s an opportunity to claim a role in future Philadelphia pitching rotations. This team has no true ace, despite the hopes of Jared Eickhoff or Vinny Velasquez taking the next step forward.

Last season Eflin struggled against the Marlins to close out his month of July, allowing seven runs in five innings.