Reinforcements on the Way as Pache Begins Rehab Assignment

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Cristian Pache is close to being ready to return to the Majors as he starts a rehab assignment.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Cristian Pache is set to begin a rehab assignment at Class-A Clearwater on Tuesday, the team announced via Twitter.

That’s good news for the Phillies, who could use Pache’s veteran talents with a playoff race in the team’s sights. The Phillies entered Tuesday’s doubleheader with Washington as a Wild Card team. The Phillies also lost outfielder Brandon Marsh for two or three weeks due to an injury last weekend.

Per Phillies manager Rob Thomson, Pache will play seven innings on Tuesday night and play three games at Clearwater. Assuming no setbacks, he’ll then be promoted for two more games, potentially at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

With that rehab schedule, the Phillies could be in a position to call Pache up next week.

Pache has dealt with injuries all season. He tore his meniscus at the end of April and went on the injured list for six weeks before returning in mid-June. He played up until the All-Star break when the Phillies had to IL him against for right elbow irritation.

Pache had to have surgery to remove a loose screw causing that irritation. The screw was inserted in Pache’s elbow for a previous injury.

Pache is valued for his glove, but in just 53 plate appearances this season he’s slashed .327/.365/.592 with seven doubles, two home runs and eight RBI.

The Phillies called up Johan Rojas from the minors to take his place on the 26-man roster.

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