The Philadelphia Phillies placed two of their best players on the 10-day injured list before their Friday home game against the Miami Marlins. Though Bryce Harper (strained left hamstring) and Kyle Schwarber (strained left groin) were out, the Phillies proved they can still win because of their stellar pitching staff. After left-hander Cristopher Sanchez tossed his first career shutout in a 2-0 victory, the Phillies will turn to right-hander Aaron Nola as the four-game series continues on Saturday.
"I'm so proud of this kid," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said of Sanchez. "He's come so far. Now he's a dominant pitcher in Major League Baseball.
" On Monday against the host Detroit Tigers, Nola (9-3, 3.39 ERA) gave up six hits and one run over seven innings in an 8-1 victory. Nola is 5-10 with a 3.
58 ERA in 23 career starts against the Marlins. With Harper and Schwarber out, infielder Kody Clemens was activated from the 10-day injured list and outfielder Johan Rojas was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Thomson said that he doesn't expect Harper and Schwarber to be sidelined for more than two weeks.
He added that it's possible both could return before the All-Star break. "We're very fortunate. We dodged a bullet," Thomson said.
"I don't expect them to be out long." Harper said, "Bummed to go on the IL. Never wanted that to happen, obviously.
But it was the best decision for our team. Hopefully get back in the smartest way possible and quickest way as well." Already without J.