Now that the dust has settled from the trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies have their roster set for the stretch run to the postseason. Well, kind of.
Despite their struggles since the All-Star break, the Phillies are still in an ideal position with less than eight weeks left in the season. After winning three of four heading into Thursday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, their lead in the NL East sat at 7.5 games.
They're still the team to beat. With a stacked roster the Phillies have minimal moving parts to worry about. Barring any more injuries to the core star players, it's primarily on the peripheries of the active 26-man roster that the front office, and the fans, will be focused.
3 Phillies players who won't finish the month of August on the big-league roster
The Phillies are still waiting for pitchers Taijuan Walker, Ranger Suárez and Spencer Turnbull to return from the injured list. There are some questions about how the rotation will look through August, especially with the six-man plan eventually being implemented — when they finally have enough healthy starters.
The bullpen could also see some fluctuation, at least in a couple of spots. The top six relief arms appear to be set for the next two months after the additions of Carlos Estévez and Tanner Banks at the deadline.
Which of the edge-of-the-roster players do the coaching staff and front office see as expendable and replaceable with the Phillies hoping to cruise into the National League Division Series?
Kolby Allard won't finish the month of August on the big-league roster
Kolby Allard will likely be the first Phillies pitcher to head to Lehigh Valley in August. The left-hander got the call to the Phillies on July 27, when ailing starter Ranger Suárez went on the 15-day IL. Signed as a free agent in January, Allard still has a MiLB option available, and the Phillies will surely use it soon.
Thursday's start against the Arizona Diamondbacks was probably his last. Once the Phillies reinstate Walker, the 26-year-old is the most likely roster casualty.
In his three games (two starts) with the Phillies so far, Allard has a 3.46 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. In 13 innings, he allowed five runs on 14 hits with eight strikeouts and a pair of walks.
The rehabbing Walker is due back soon. He was supposed to make his return on Sunday in Arizona, but that got pushed back after rain postponed his Triple-A rehab outing this week. The veteran should line up to start when the Phillies return home to face the Miami Marlins on Aug. 13.