April 18, 2017

Buchholz undergoes surgery, Eflin to start vs. Mets tonight

By Ryan Lawrence
PhillyVoice Contributor

Clay Buchholz had surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right forearm on Tuesday, meaning his first season with the Phillies is almost surely over after two starts.

The estimated recovery time for Buchholz is four to six months, according to the Phillies. The 32-year-old Buchholz, who will earn $13.5 million this season, the second-highest paid player on the roster, is a free agent after the 2017 season.

Fellow right-hander Zach Eflin was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Buchholz’s place in the rotation. He’ll take the mound against the New York Mets in Citi Field tonight.

The Phillies acquired Buchholz in a December trade with the Boston Red Sox, a salary dump deal on Boston’s end not long after they had traded for Chris Sale. A former top pitching prospect, Buchholz had an up-and-down run in 10 years with Boston that included a demotion to the bullpen last summer.

Buchholz was placed on the 10-day DL on Tuesday, but will almost surely eventually be transferred to the 60-day DL. Combined with Elniery Garcia's recent suspension for testing positive for PEDs, the Phils should have two openings on their 40-man roster in the near future.

Here's the lineup for tonight's game in New York: