Phillies may get big pitching boost before playoffs

The Philadelphia Phillies are competing for a National League Wild Card spot. Left-handed relief pitcher Tanner Banks is currently out with a left forearm strain, however. Banks has not pitched since early July because of the injury but is expected to return in “mid-to-late September” according to MLB.com.

Banks began his rehab assignment on Wednesday and recorded one scoreless inning out of the bullpen for the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate. He struck out two hitters as well.

Banks is continuing to recover from the injury and he could return before the playoffs. The Phillies will continue to closely monitor his injury status.

It is worth mentioning that the southpaw struggled before landing on the IL. He turned in a lackluster 7.14 ERA across 28 outings. However, Banks pitched to a 3.07 ERA in 69 appearances last season. He has a proven track record and could play a role in the Phillies’ bullpen during the upcoming postseason.

Of course, Philadelphia needs to clinch a postseason spot before they can strongly think about Banks’ potential playoff availability. The 74-60 Phillies are currently 4.5 games back of the Atlanta Braves for first place in the National League East division, but they do hold the second NL Wild Card spot. The San Diego Padres are currently the third NL Wild Card team while the Arizona Diamondbacks are only one game back of a Wild Card position.

The Phillies are in a quality position, but there is still work to do before the postseason. Philadelphia will do everything it can to finish the season strong.