The Phillies had to scramble for a couple of extra players Tuesday night after relievers Bailey Falter and JD Hammer were placed on the COVID injured list less than an hour before the team's game against the Yankees in New York.
Reliever Mauricio Llovera and outfielder Mickey Moniak were en route to New York from Lehigh Valley to fill out the Phillies' roster.
The Phillies, who, as a team, have not reached the 85 percent vaccination rate that would result in a loosening of COVID protocols, have been hit hard by COVID-related absences lately. Aaron Nola, who started Tuesday night, was scratched from his previous start after coming in contact with Alec Bohm, who tested positive and has not played in 10 days.
Bohm has been cleared to return and may do so Wednesday night if team officials believe he is baseball-ready.
Falter's absence will sting. The rookie lefty has pitched well and would likely have seen action Wednesday night as the Phils plug Zach Eflin's scheduled start with a cast of relievers. Eflin went on the IL with knee tendinitis Tuesday.
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