The Philadelphia Phillies are making key roster adjustments as they prepare for the postseason. Injuries are playing a big role in their latest moves.
Edmundo Sosa landed on the 10-day injured list with a mild groin strain. The club called up Rafael Lantigua for his long-awaited Major League debut.
The team is also finalizing its playoff rotation and keeping an eye on several injured players. With the NL East clinched, they’re still chasing the top seed in the National League.
Phillies Lose Sosa, Turn to Lantigua for Depth
Sosa suffered a mild groin strain. Even after a full workout, he still felt tightness.
The Phillies placed him on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Saturday. They expect he’ll return on September 23.
His absence removes a versatile infield option just as the team heads into the final stretch. Not ideal timing, honestly.
To fill the gap, Philadelphia called up 27-year-old Rafael Lantigua from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He posted a .232 average, seven home runs, and solid defensive numbers over 124 games.
Lantigua’s defensive flexibility stands out—he’s played second base, third, shortstop, and even left field. That kind of insurance matters as the Phillies gear up for October baseball.
Why Lantigua’s Skillset Matters
Manager Rob Thomson said the timing of the move was partly about the upcoming series in Arizona. The hard turf at Chase Field can make lower-body injuries worse.
Carrying an extra infielder who can move around the diamond feels like a smart safeguard. This lets Philadelphia stay adaptable while Sosa gets a chance to heal up.
Playoff Rotation Decisions Begin to Take Shape
One of the bigger announcements: Cristopher Sánchez will start Game 1 of the postseason. Sánchez has turned into a reliable arm.
Thomson hinted he might lean heavily on left-handers depending on matchups. We could see Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, and Jesús Luzardo as three of the main starters.
Aaron Nola Still in the Mix
Even with an up-and-down season, veteran right-hander Aaron Nola remains in the postseason mix. His big-game experience could matter, especially if the Phillies need to shuffle things mid-series.
Depth and flexibility on the mound will be essential as Philadelphia eyes a deep playoff run. You never know how October will unfold.
Injury Updates on Bohm and Turner
Not all the injury news is bad. Alec Bohm, dealing with shoulder inflammation, is expected to return to the lineup on Friday.
Bohm’s bat and steady defense at third base will be critical as the Phillies fine-tune their batting order. He’s been a steady presence all year.
Trea Turner is still working his way back from a hamstring strain. The Phillies hope he’ll rejoin the team before the regular season ends.
Turner’s speed, power, and defense make him one of the most dynamic players in the league when healthy. Getting him back would be a huge boost.
Chasing the Top Seed in the National League
With the NL East already clinched, Philadelphia’s next goal is a first-round bye and the league’s top seed. That would guarantee home-field advantage deeper into the playoffs.
Home field could be a real difference-maker in a tight postseason race.
Key Matchups Ahead
The Phillies are set for a marquee pitching showdown on Wednesday. Jesús Luzardo takes the mound against former Cy Young winner Blake Snell.
Outcomes in these kinds of matchups could help decide whether the club locks down home-field advantage throughout the National League playoffs. No pressure, right?
Final Thoughts
The Phillies are heading into the postseason, juggling injuries, roster depth, and their rotation. They’re trying to line things up for a real shot at the championship.
Rafael Lantigua just got called up, bringing some fresh energy. With Alec Bohm back—and maybe even Trea Turner soon—the lineup should get even stronger for October.
If you’d like, I can also create an **SEO-friendly meta description** and targeted keyword list for this blog post so it ranks higher in search results. Want me to do that?
Here is the source article for this story: Phillies place Edmundo Sosa to 10-day injured list; Cristopher Sánchez will be Game 1 playoff starter
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s