PHILADELPHIA– Two Phillies pitchers will be sidelined until at least late April due to injury.
First, Jerad Eickhoff was diagnosed with a mild lat strain that is expected to knock him out for six to eight weeks.
Then, Mark Leiter, Jr. was diagnosed with a mild flexor strain, and is expected to return sometime around late April to mid May.
The injuries have effectively taken both pitchers out of the running for a spot in the starting rotation, although Eickhoff may have a chance to claim his starter role upon return.
Eickhoff, 27, is coming off a disappointing and injury-plagued season in 2017, which saw him start only 24 games and go 4-8 with a 4.71 ERA.
Leiter, Jr., 27, endured a rough first season in the Major Leagues in 2017, appearing in 27 games and totaling a 4.96 ERA.
Now, the team will turn to a variety of other options for the openings in the starting rotation and the bullpen.
