Phillies News: José Alvarado rehab progress delayed and more

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, 2-1. Phillies' ace Zack Wheeler pitched eight scoreless innings while striking out twelve Braves hitters. The Phillies desperately needed a starting to pitcher to perform and Wheeler stood up to the task.

The Phillies' two runs came from a Bryson Stott sacrifice fly and a Trea Turner double. All in all the offense put up nine hits but went 1-9 with runners in scoring position. Luckily, Craig Kimbrel was able to shut the door in the ninth despite giving up a home run to Sean Murphy. Kimbrel would go on to complete his 401st save of his career.

The Phillies will look to take a series victory on Sunday night against Spencer Strider (4-2, 2.97 ERA). Dylan Covey (0-0, 3.00 ERA) will oppose Strider as he comes off a solid five inning appearance for the Phillies last week.

Phillies News

Phillies' reliever José Alvarado was supposed to throw a bullpen session on Saturday but that was delayed due to some stiffness in his throwing arm. Rob Thomson said he was not concerned and did not consider this a setback. Thomason went on to say:

"I think it's normal. He was 98 mph the other day in the 'pen, so I think he stepped on it a little bit too much. We're going to be really careful with him."

- via Corey Seidman NBCSports Philadelphia

It seems as if Alvarado is on track to return after a rehab program. He should be expected back sometime in June if all goes well.

The Phillies also expect Darick Hall and Cristian Pache to start their rehab assignments this week in Clearwater. Both players could help inject some fuel to the lineup when they return from their respective injuries. Dalton Guthrie would likely be sent back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley once Pache is cleared to return. It will be interesting to see who the Phillies option when Hall is cleared to return.

MLB News

The Tampa Bay Rays activated one of their best pitchers on Saturday as Tyler Glasnow returned from the injured list. Glasnow has shown he can be a top pitcher in baseball when he is healthy and displayed his dominance in his first appearance of the season. Glasnow allowed three runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings while striking out eight batters. The dominant right-hander will be a huge boost to the Rays' rotation as they continue to lead the AL East in the standings.

The Baltimore Orioles sent top pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez to Triple-A after a disappointing start to his Major League career. The highly touted prospect had an ERA of 7.35 in his first 45 innings in the big leagues. Rodriguez is still a promising prospect but needs to get his command under control before becoming an effective Major League pitcher as he has allowed 13 home runs in his first ten starts.