Philadelphia Phillies Lose Key Reliever to Injured List

Life just got tougher for the defending National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Already mired in a 17-19 start entering play on Wednesday -- and tied for third place in the National League East -- the Phillies have lost a key member of their bullpen to the injured list.

The team placed left-handed, high-leverage reliever Jose Alvarado on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in the left elbow.

The Phillies put out the information in a Tweet:

"Prior to today’s game, the Phillies placed LHP José Alvarado on the 15-day IL (retroactive to 5/8) with left elbow inflammation. RHP Andrew Bellatti was recalled from his rehab assignment with Clearwater (A) and reinstated from the 15-day IL (right triceps tendinitis)."

Prior to today’s game, the Phillies placed LHP José Alvarado on the 15-day IL (retroactive to 5/8) with left elbow inflammation. RHP Andrew Bellatti was recalled from his rehab assignment with Clearwater (A) and reinstated from the 15-day IL (right triceps tendinitis).
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 10, 2023

His injured list stint is retroactive to May 8 and we don't have any information at this time as far as a timetable for return.

It's a big loss for the Phillies as they try to get back into the National League playoff race, as Alvarado has been exceptional this season. He's pitched to a 1.88 ERA in 14.1 innings, while registering 24 strikeouts.

He was also an integral part of the Phillies run to the World Series a year ago, when he went 4-2 with a 3.18 ERA. He also registered two saves and 22 holds.

Alvarado made his debut in 2017 with the Tampa Bay Rays and spent four years with Tampa before being acquired by the Phillies.

The Phillies are hosting the Blue Jays on Wednesday at 4:05 p.m. ET.

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