Phillies Bullpen Bleeding Arms: Newcomer Caleb Kilian Hits IL With Oblique Blow

ST. LOUIS — The Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen is officially operating on fumes. Right-hander Caleb Kilian, the shiny new trade-deadline addition, has been slapped on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain before Monday's series opener against the Cardinals.

This one stings a little extra. Kilian was acquired from San Francisco alongside Luis Arraez at the deadline, and he'd barely unpacked his gear. He tossed four times in six days after reporting Tuesday — and after picking up a win in Toronto on Saturday, he apparently felt something pop on his final pitch.

No Timeline. No Good News.

Interim skipper Dan Mattingly didn't sugarcoat it: the strain is moderate, and there's no return date. “Obviously a little disappointing for us,” Mattingly said. “To lose anybody out of our pen is not great. So disappointing for us. Disappointing for him, I believe too. Guys don't want to get hurt and not be in there. But we got to move on and the next guy up, kind of type thing, and we'll go from there.”

Kilian sits at 4-7 with a 4.91 ERA combined between the Phillies and Giants this season. He's also now the 10th Phillies reliever to hit the injured list this year. Ten. In one season. This isn't a bullpen — it's a turnstile.

Philadelphia recalled right-hander Chase Shugart from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to plug the hole. Shugart has been here before, posting a 2-1 record with a 4.93 ERA in 33 games for Philly this season.

Next man up. Again.