Earlier this season, Didi Gregorius missed a month of playing time with a sore left knee. Since being activated from the IL in early June, Gregorius hit .244 in 22 games and played shortstop in the series opener against the Cardinals, but sat out both Saturday and Sunday because of the sore knee. Interim manager Rob Thomson told reporters prior to Sunday’s game that Gregorius had a “lubricant injection” in the sore knee on Friday and he will be evaluated again on Tuesday. With Monday being an off-day, it is possible that the shortstop could return to the lineup after two games off. It’s just as possible that he could wind up going back on the IL.
Losing Gregorius for more time would put more pressure on the Phillies infield that has been hit hard by injuries this season. Jean Segura is out until mid-August with a broken finger that required surgery, Johan Camargo is currently on the IL for the second time this season with a right knee strain and utility man Nick Maton is also on the IL with a bad shoulder suffered when he made a diving play while filling in for Segura. Camargo is the closest to being able to return, while Maton is inching closer to being able to start a rehab assignment.
Gregorius signed a one-year, $14-million deal with the Phillies following the 2019 season and then re-signed with the team after the 2020 season, inking a two-year, $28-million contract as a free agent. During his tenure with the Phillies Gregorius has been on the IL three times. The 32-year old is eligible for free agency following the season and is unlikely to be re-signed by the Phillies.