Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez exits game with left ankle sprain
Luis Arraez left Thursday's game against the Brewers after sustaining a left ankle sprain, while left-hander Jesus Luzardo completed a bullpen session as he nears a return for the upcoming Wild Card round.
Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez was pulled from Thursday night’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers after injuring his left ankle on a ground ball. He required assistance off the field and was unable to bear weight on the leg, and was replaced by infielder Edmundo Sosa.
The injury occurred when shortstop Cooper Pratt fielded a ball and threw wide to first, forcing Jake Bauers to chase it. Arraez attempted to sidestep Bauers, planted awkwardly and fell. He has been the everyday second baseman since the trade deadline, batting .283 with two home runs.
If Arraez misses time, Philadelphia may revert to its Opening Day infield configuration, giving playing opportunities to Bryan De La Cruz, Derek Hill or keeping Sosa in the infield.
In a separate update, left-handed pitcher Jesus Luzardo completed a 30-pitch bullpen session, indicating progress toward facing live hitters. Interim manager Don Mattingly said Luzardo “wasn’t shaking his shoulder during the bullpen.” Luzardo, who missed action since early September due to left-shoulder inflammation, expressed willingness to fill any role the team needs as the Phillies prepare for the Wild Card round.
The Phillies have not yet clinched a playoff berth but could do so as early as Thursday, after which they will finalize their postseason roster. Starting pitchers Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez are expected to begin the first two games, with Luzardo a possible option for the final game or as a reliever.