Jerad Eickhoff hits the DL, Brock Stassi Recalled

Well, the unmitigated high of a new-blood infusion earlier this afternoon was short-lived.

The Phillies announced Tuesday afternoon that right-hander Jerad Eickhoff would be placed on the 10-day DL with what’s being called an “upper back strain.” It’s been very apparent, at least, that something hasn’t quite been right with Eick in 2017, and maybe some rest is just what he needs at this point. His walks are way, way up, and for a pitcher who demonstrated pretty refined command in his first two Major League seasons, that became an obvious red flag.

Back injuries, as we’ve seen already with Aaron Nola’s own DL stint being extended a bit last month, can be nagging, and Eickhoff’s absence from the rotation could be prolonged. The pitcher who will take Eick’s turn is yet to be announced.

The corresponding move is the recall of first baseman Brock Stassi, who returns just more than two weeks after being sent down. In his last nine games with Lehigh Valley, Stassi hit .324/.378/.412 with one homer in 37 PA. He ostensibly fills the left-handed void left by Michael Saunders’s departure, as Cam Perkins hits righty. Whether he’s up for a while or not is uncertain, as he may be the casualty when the Phillies decide on the starting pitcher they want to use for Eickhoff’s spot. Options vary from Mark Leiter or Adam Morgan in a spot start to call-up of Thomas Eshelman or even Mark Appel, depending on how this past Monday’s off day affects things.

Who knows, maybe it’ll be you?