The Phillies received some bad news before the start of their two-game series with the Yankees.

Starting pitcher Zach Eflin was placed on the 10-day injured list with patella tendinitis.

He struggled during his most recent outing last Friday, surrendering six hits and five earned runs in just 3 2/3 innings against Miami.

Perhaps concerning for the Phillies is that Eflin has a history of injury issues in both knees. He had season-ending surgery back in August 2016 to repair the petellar tendon in his right knee.

Eflin was slated to next pitch against the Braves at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday night, but that will not happen now.


Relievers Bailey Falter and Cristopher Sánchez could slot into his rotation spot, or Phillies manager Joe Girardi could opt for a bullpen game. Reliever Brandon Kintlzer opened in place of a scratched Aaron Nola against the Red Sox in the final game prior to the All-Star break.

While it remains to be seen how much time Eflin will miss, the team was already interested in adding to its current starting rotation mix. This latest development will likely add to the intensity of such a pursuit.