The Philadelphia Phillies have not gotten off to the start they had hoped for.
Through the first portion of the season, they have a record of 17-19.
One issue that seemingly keeps recurring is injuries.
In the MLB, most years it is a battle of attrition.
Whichever team can stay the healthiest has the best shot to make a deep playoff run.
Well, the Phillies just suffered a massive blow to their bullpen with the injury to Jose Alvarado.
According to Matt Gelb, Alvarado is heading to the IL with left elbow inflammation.
The Phillies put José Alvarado on the IL with left elbow inflammation.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) May 10, 2023
The left-hander has been one of the Phillies’ best pitchers this season.
On the season he has thrown 14.1 innings with 24 strikeouts and an incredible zero walks.
Also, his season ERA is 1.88.
He will be greatly missed in a Phillies bullpen that does not have many reliable arms.
On a team with no set closer, Alvarado has taken over that role, leading the team in saves with five.
The Phillies will need to find another lefty reliever in the wake of this news.
Having a strong bullpen is one of the underrated parts of MLB.
With all the offensive production today, it is rare for starting pitchers to go deep into games.
That leaves the bullpen in charge of keeping opposing teams off the scoreboard.
Alvarado has been one of the best in the league this year.
Now the Phillies will have to turn their season around without him.
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