Two Philadelphia Phillies are approaching a return from the injured list, as Austin Hays and Spencer Turnbull will be going on rehab assignments with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this weekend. Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Hays will play on Saturday and Sunday while Turnbull is scheduled to pitch Sunday. Lauber also noted that Phillies manager Rob Thomson indicated Hays may be activated on Tuesday. A return of Turnbull during the regular season is to be determined, according to Brooke Destra of NBC Sports Philadelphia. The minor league season ends on Sunday, so this was the last opportunity for Hays and Turnbull to make rehab appearances.
Rob Thomson on his plans for Austin Hays and Spencer Turnbull potentially going into the postseason.https://t.co/j91G93zR8v
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) September 20, 2024
Hays has been on the injured list since September 5 with a kidney infection. The injured list placement was retroactive to September 2. This is the second time Hays has been on the injured list since joining the Phillies. He’s been on the shelf three times this season overall, with the first stint coming while still on the Baltimore Orioles. Meanwhile, Turnbull has been on the IL since June 27 with a right lat strain. Turnbull was moved from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL to open a 40-man roster spot on August 17. Aramis Garcia was designated for assignment when Alec Bohm was activated from the injured list. This means the Phillies have an open spot on the 40-man roster for Turnbull when he returns.
Phillies’ Austin Hays, Spencer Turnbull Approaching Return
Outfield Alignment When Hays Returns
In 19 games with the Phillies this season, Hays has a .254/.275/.373 line with one home run and five RBI, along with a 79 wRC+ and a .282 wOBA. Against right-handed pitchers this season, Hays has a .556 OPS and a 58 wRC+ in 156 plate appearances. Against lefties, he has a .940 OPS and a 166 wRC+ in 88 plate appearances. When Hays returns, he should platoon with Brandon Marsh in left field. Marsh has a .805 OPS and a 123 wRC+ in 367 plate appearances against right-handed pitchers this season. However, he only has a .572 OPS and a 62 wRC+ in 87 plate appearances this season against left-handed pitchers.
Johan Rojas should be the Phillies starting center fielder when Hays comes back. Cal Stevenson will likely be optioned to Triple-A as the corresponding move when Hays is activated. Rojas has a .276/.300/.483 line with no home runs and two RBI since Hays went on the injured list. In that 11-game span, Rojas has a 112 wRC+ and a .331 wOBA as well. Stevenson has a .261/.346/.391 line with no home runs and five RBI in 17 games this season. He also has a 109 wRC+ and a .326 wOBA. While Stevenson has played well, there is limited space available on the major league roster. Stevenson may end up on the Phillies postseason roster for the NL Wild Card Series or NLDS.
Pitching Situation Upon The Return Of Turnbull
With Turnbull seemingly unlikely to return in the regular season, there is no present need for a proper corresponding move. However, his eventual return will have an impact on the postseason roster. Assuming Turnbull is ready in time for the Phillies’ first postseason series, he should be on the roster. Taijuan Walker should not be on the Phillies postseason roster, making room for Turnbull to fill the long relief role. It has already been stated by Thomson that Turnbull will pitch out of the bullpen upon returning from the injured list. In 17 outings this season, which includes seven starts, Turnbull has a 3-0 record with a 2.65 ERA and 58 strikeouts. He has a 3.85 FIP along with a 64 ERA- this season.
The Phillies will have to make a decision about how many pitchers they want to have in their first series. It will either be a best-of-three series or a best-of-five. This means carrying 13 pitchers may not be necessary. While the extra bench spot is good to have, carrying 13 pitchers is better because it allows for more flexibility. This would also reduce the need to rely on high-leverage pitchers to pitch in low-leverage spots. Ultimately, Kolby Allard, Tyler Gilbert, and Max Lazar are competing for one or two spots. If Turnbull is not ready in time, two out of those three will make the postseason roster. Otherwise, it is three players competing for the other long relief spot unless the Phillies elect to carry 12 pitchers.
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