Cristian Pache hits IL, needs knee surgery – Phillies Nation

The Latest Phillies Injury News

• Cristian Pache (torn right meniscus)
• Status: 10-day injured list — No timetable
• Cristian Pache tore the meniscus in his right knee while running the bases on April 28, the Phillies announced. He’s been placed on the 10-day injured and replaced by Dalton Guthrie on the active roster. Pache will require surgery, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Alex Coffey, but does not know how much time he will miss. (Last Updated April 29) — Ty Daubert

• Taijuan Walker (right forearm tightness) 
• It appears Taijuan Walker will make his next scheduled start against the Dodgers. Rob Thomson told reporters after the April 27 game against the Mariners that Walker won’t need an MRI and that he played catch before the game and felt fine. Walker told Anthony SanFilippo of Crossing Broad that he completed his normal day after routine (throwing from 90 feet). He’ll throw a bullpen Friday in Houston. He left his start on Wednesday, April 26 after just four innings and 68 pitches with right forearm tightness. (Last Updated April 28) – Destiny Lugardo

• Ranger Suarez (left elbow strain) 
• Status: 15-day injured list — Aiming for mid-May return 
• Ranger Suárez will make his first rehab start on Thursday for Double-A Reading. He’s expected to throw 35-40 pitches across two innings. If his outing is shortened, he’ll finish up in the bullpen. He’ll fly to Syracuse on Monday for his next scheduled rehab outing after that. (Last Updated April 27) – Destiny Lugardo

• Bryce Harper (recovery from Tommy John surgery on right elbow)
• Status: 10-day injured list — Aiming for early May return
• The Phillies will bring two minor league pitchers, Victor Vargas and Tyler McCay, on the road with the team to throw live batting practice to Bryce Harper. Harper is scheduled to see Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the surgeon that performed Harper’s Tommy John surgery, during the Phillies’ trip to Los Angeles during the roadtrip. Thomson was asked Thursday on what his expectation are for Harper’s appointment: “I really don’t know. In my mind, I think so, but you don’t know until the doctor sees him.” If he’s cleared, it’s possible he could be back for the start of the next Phillies homestand on May 5.
• Returning to the field is further off for Harper, and it seems first base is a more realistic goal than right field in 2023. Still, Harper has to feel comfortable throwing to be able to play at any position. He was throwing at Citizens Bank Park April 25, and seemed to be doing so with good velocity. He appeared to be rubbing his elbow a bit after throwing, but Thomson said that’s normal and that he was impressed by how much arm strength Harper already seems to have. (Last Updated April 27) — Destiny Lugardo