Philadelphia Phillies OF Pache Begins Rehab Assignment

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Cristian Pache got plenty of action in his first rehab assignment at Class-A Clearwater on Tuesday.

Pache, who is working his way back from elbow surgery, took his first at-bats in a live game with the Threshers since July.

But, Pache had trouble connecting. He ended up going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts while batting second and playing center field.

Pache reached base in the second inning on a fielder’s choice and a fielding error. Pache was stranded at third base.

He also hit a pitch in his final at-bat in the seventh inning, grounding out to shortstop.

After that, Pache was pulled from the game. The Phillies only wanted him to play seven innings in his first rehab game.

He is expected to play two more games for Clearwater before a promotion, perhaps to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he could play two more games before a potential activation by the Phillies next week.

Pache’s return would be welcome, as the Phillies lost outfielder Brandon Marsh for two or three weeks due to an injury last weekend.

Pache has dealt with injuries all season. He tore his meniscus at the end of April and went on the injured list for six weeks before returning in mid-June. He played up until the All-Star break when the Phillies had to IL him against for right elbow irritation.

Pache had to have surgery to remove a loose screw causing that irritation. The screw was inserted in Pache’s elbow for a previous injury.

Pache is valued for his glove, but in just 53 plate appearances this season he’s slashed .327/.365/.592 with seven doubles, two home runs and eight RBI.

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