Phillies News: Back in the W column, Jose Alvarado makes rehab appearance

The Philadelphia Phillies broke a five-game losing streak as they defeated the Washington Nationals on Saturday 4-2. The Phillies used Matt Strahm as a "starter" in a bullpen game. The club used seven pitchers and all pitched scoreless innings with the exception of Dylan Covey— who surrendered both runs. Craig Kimbrel pitched the ninth to pick up his eighth save of the season.

The offense was carried by the middle of the order. J.T. Realmuto had two hits— including a homerun. Trea Turner had an RBI double, Brandon Marsh knocked in a run and Josh Harrison recorded an RBI. The clutch hits from Turner and Realmuto were encouraging given their recent struggles.

The Phillies will hope Ranger Suárez (0-2, 7.13 ERA) can eat some innings on Sunday in the series finale. He will be opposed by Trevor Williams (2-3, 3.93 ERA) of the Nationals.

Phillies News

José Alvarado made his first rehab appearance since being placed on the injured list in early May. Alvarado pitched one inning and got the win— while throwing 18 pitches. The left-hander allowed one hit and struck out one batter. The Phillies' bullpen has been solid in Alvarado's absence, but his return will help to boost the one true strength of this team.

Phillies' No. 1 prospect Andrew Painter has been rehabbing in Clearwater in order to return from an elbow injury he suffered in early March. He has been throwing off of a mound, but only from 55 ft. Painter experienced an illness that held him back from throwing last week. The Phillies are not concerned, and he should resume his normal rehab work this coming week.

MLB News

Former Phillies prospect Jon Singleton made his first appearance in the big leagues since 2015. Singleton was a part of the trade that brought Hunter Pence to Philadelphia in 2011. Singleton's story is unique in that he spent so much time away from Major League Baseball but was able to earn a callup almost eight years since his last appearance. He went 1-4 on Saturday and scored a run.

Washington Nationals' starter Stephen Strasburg has been shut down from all baseball activities due to nerve damage. Strasburg helped lead the Nationals to a World Series title in 2019 but has not pitched in the big leagues since June of 2022. Strasburg has had an impressive, but injury ridden career. There is fear he may not throw another pitch in Major League Baseball due to the severity of his injury.