What Are the Phillies Plans After Losing Closer to Injury?

Jose Alvarado could be seen laughing and smiling in the Philadelphia Phillies dugout during the quick two-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

That’s a great sign.

Alvarado was placed on the 15-day injured with left elbow inflammation and Andrew Bellatti was recalled.

It’s never easy to lose key players to injuries.

Alvarado has not only been the best relief pitcher for the Phillies. He has arguably been one of the best in Major League Baseball this season.

Alvarado is eligible to be activated on May 23, but it’s unclear if that will happen.

The Phillies must be cautious here. They’re playing the long game with a hopeful deep postseason run. They’ll need Alvarado if they hope to achieve their postseason goals.

“We’ll shut him down for a while and really take good care of this guy,” manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re not going to rush him back at all.”

Is Thomson worried?

“Well, yeah, I mean, he’s a big part of the bullpen,” Thomson said. “He’s one of the best relievers in baseball, if not the best. Yeah, I’m a little concerned for sure.”

Alvarado has appeared in 14 of 36 games so he has been utilized wisely.

For now, all he can do is wait and hope.

“I don’t even know what to say,” Alvarado told reporters. “This is a really difficult game and unfortunately, we can’t control everything. I’m happy. I’m happy to see my teammates win. It’s a little bit of inflammation in my elbow, a couple days rest and that’s it.”

Being smart with Alvarado now will be crucial to the long-term success of the team. Alvarado knows that. The Phillies know that.

They need to take their time with the stellar left-hander.