Phillies Injured Starter Out Indefinitely With Chronic Condition

What was originally thought to be a knee bruise, has now turned out to be chronic "right patellofemoral pain" according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb. There's no structural damage, that's the good part. But on the down side is, they just don't know when he'll be healthy enough to pitch.

Zach Eflin (knee) is dealing with right patellofemoral pain and doesn't have a timetable to return, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports. pic.twitter.com/8zRYdn0rPH

— Rotolytics (@rotolytics) July 23, 2022

"There is no timetable for his return," writes Gelb. The Phillies, manager Rob Thomson said, will proceed with a 'really aggressive strengthening program' for Eflin’s knee. He will not throw from a mound until he is recovering better on a daily basis."

Being a chronic injury, Gelb said that might be "weeks." His condition is "troubling", he adds, especially for the 28-year-old Eflin, who is months from free agency.

Now, the Phillies will need to examine other pitching solutions, and with the trade deadline fast approaching, they do have some targets on their radar. 

Time, though, is running short, and they'll need to act fast. 

Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports