Phillies: Mark Leiter Jr. impressive in second rehab appearance

More help is coming for the Phillies bullpen in the form of Mark Leiter Jr.

Mark Leiter Jr. missed his first opportunity to make the Phillies Opening Day roster after suffering an injury late in Spring Training. Diagnosed with a flexor strain, Leiter has seen limited game action while rehabbing.

Pitching for the Clearwater Threshers Wednesday night, Leiter was impressive working into his second inning of the night. The righty went an inning and two-thirds striking out five of the six batters he faced, while walking the other.

Leiter was strong in his first rehab start as well allowing no baserunners and striking out one in an inning of work.

If Leiter is deemed healthy enough to contribute at the major league level, he could potentially join the team during their long homestand. Their last home game of the series will be Sunday as the third game in a series against the Mets. After that, they will take a short trip to Baltimore for two games before going to St. Louis for four games.

Space is tight in the Philadelphia bullpen despite the injuries to Leiter, Adam Morgan, Pat Neshek, and Tommy Hunter early in the year. With Hunter now back the team is carrying him along with Yacksel Rios, Hector Neris, Seranthony Dominguez, Luis Garcia, Zac Curtis, Edubray Ramos, and Drew Hutchinson.

Curtis could be moved once Morgan comes back from a back strain, which is reportedly improving quickly and could require limited time on the disabled list. Neshek won’t be back anytime soon after suffering a flexor strain during his own rehab, meaning space won’t be as tricky as anticipated.

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General manager Matt Klentak will have to dance around minor league options, which will be tough considering how well certain players have performed this year. Dominguez, the organization’s 11th-overall prospect, looked impressive in his major league debut, but he could be the odd-man out based on his three options.