NEW YORK — The Phillies made four roster moves prior to Saturday's doubleheader at Citi Field against the Mets, swapping out two pitchers and position players.
Dylan Covey, who is out of minor-league options, was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to September 28) with low back pain.
Right-handed reliever Luis Ortiz was recalled from Triple A.
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Infielder Rodolfo Castro was optioned to the Phillies' spring training complex in Clearwater, where he will stay ready in case he's needed because of injury.
Corner outfielder/infielder Weston Wilson was called up from Triple A to take Castro's place.
The Phils had just three games left in the regular season when they made their moves Saturday afternoon. Taijuan Walker started Game 1 and the Phillies sought depth from him with rain postponing Friday's scheduled series opener. The expectation was that Ortiz would pitch in Game 1 and left-hander Michael Plassmeyer would be called up in between games to start the nightcap. Nick Nelson appears to be in line to start Game 162 Sunday as the Phillies try to rest as many of their key arms as possible ahead of Tuesday's playoff opener.
Entering Saturday, the Diamondbacks led the Marlins by a half-game for the 5-seed, which will face the Phillies in the opening Best-of-3 at Citizens Bank Park. The D-backs have two left at home this weekend against the Astros, who are equally desperate, just a game up on the Mariners for the final wild-card spot in the American League.
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The Marlins have the tiebreaker over Arizona so they'd be the 5-seed if both teams finish with the same record. The Marlins finish up with two in Pittsburgh, then would be in Citi Field Monday to finish a suspended game they led by a run in the ninth inning.