From PhillyVoice · · 50s
Luis Arráez out of Phillies Wild Card roster
Phillies skip All-Star Arráez for NL Wild Card series.
In brief
Phillies skip All-Star Arráez for NL Wild Card series. Phillies will play Wild Card series without cleanup hitter Luis Arráez, who is injured. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Luis Arráez injury update
Luis Arráez sprained left ankle during game against Brewers.
“Arráez sustained the injury Wednesday night against the Brewers when he tried to dodge an off-balance tag from first baseman Jake Bauers but wound up slipping and falling awkwardly as he reached back to try to tag the base with his hand”
Phillies injury status
Arráez not on Wild Card roster despite recent optimism.
“Despite some recent optimism that Phillies cleanup hitter Luis Arráez could return soon from his sprained left ankle, he won't suit up against the Braves in the National League Wild Card round”
Manager's statement
Don Mattingly confirms Arráez won't play in Wild Card series.
“Phils manager Don Mattingly told reporters Monday that the All-Star second baseman, who finished second in the NL in batting average after having the lead until the final regular-season series, would not be on the team's playoff roster against the Braves”
Minor league depth
Phillies call up Otto Kemp to replace Arráez.
“And apparently short on minor league depth, the team will have call up Otto Kemp to take Arráez's place”
Team lineup impact
Phillies play without cleanup hitter and top trade acquisition.
“The best-of-three series begins Tuesday in Atlanta, which means the Phillies need to win two games without their best overall hitter, their cleanup hitter and their biggest trade deadline acquisition”
Current batting stats
Arráez batting .278 since moving to Phillies.
“Arráez's .310 batting average is highest among Phillies regulars, although he only batted .278 since moving from the Giants to the Phillies at the trade deadline”
Team strategy
Phillies use Bryson Stott at second base.
“With the three-time batting champion and four-time All Star shelved, the Phillies will continue to play Bryson Stott at second base and Edmundo Sosa at third, with Alec Bohm at first and Bryce Harper in right field”
What happens next
Phillies face Braves in Wild Card series.
“Luis Arráez will not be on the Wild Card Series roster. Otto Kemp is on. Phillies will go with three catchers still”
What matters most
Phillies will play Wild Card series without cleanup hitter Luis Arráez, who is injured.
