Eflin remains in the mix for a spot in the Phillies' Opening Day rotation with both Jerad Eickhoff (lat) and Mark Leiter (forearm) slated to begin the season on the disabled list, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It looked like Eflin was destined to open the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley following the Phillies' signing of Jake Arrieta earlier this month, but the 23-year-old's fading roster hopes gained some life with the two injuries. With Arrieta, Aaron Nola, Vince Velasquez and Nick Pivetta on solid ground for rotation spots, it looks like the No. 5 role will come down to Eflin, Ben Lively and non-roster invitee Drew Hutchison. Eflin probably possesses more upside than either of his competitors, but he hasn't performed quite as well during Grapefruit League play, running up a 4.73 ERA over 13.1 innings in his four appearances.

Eflin no longer appears to be in contention for the fifth spot in the Philadelphia rotation after the team signed Jake Arrieta to a three-year, $75 million contract Sunday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eflin had been competing with Ben Lively, Mark Leiter, Jake Thompson and non-roster invitee Drew Hutchison for the No. 5 role, but the Phillies now appear set to proceed with a rotation of Aaron Nola, Arrieta, Vince Velasquez, Nick Pivetta and Jerad Eickhoff to open the season. Considering that Thompson and Leiter worked in long relief at times last season, both would seem to have a leg up on Eflin for bullpen gigs as well. With that in mind, expect Eflin to settle into a rotation spot for Triple-A Lehigh Valley when spring training ends.

Eflin (shoulder) said Monday that he had a normal offseason and won't face any limitations in spring training, Matt Gelb of The Athletic Philadelphia reports. "I was able to focus on things I need to get better at as opposed to just trying to get healthy," Eflin said, when asked about his offseason program. "Now that I'm healthy, I'm able to participate in everything and actually feel like I'm growing and getting stronger. It all feels like it's coming together."

EDGE Analysis

Working back from the right shoulder impingement that resulted in Eflin being shut down for the last six weeks of the past season was nothing compared to what he had to endure the offseason before that, when he was rehabbing two surgically repaired knees. Eflin came back from the double-knee procedure to make 11 starts for the Phillies in 2017 and largely underwhelmed in those outings, finishing with a 6.16 ERA (6.10 FIP) across 64.1 innings. Despite his poor showing last season, Eflin remains in the mix for a rotation role this spring with only three pitchers (Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff and Vince Velasquez) guaranteed starting spots at the moment. However, the Phillies haven't ruled out the possibility of signing a veteran starter to supplement the young arms atop the rotation, a move that would likely close Eflin's window to opening the season with the big club.

Eflin (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day DL on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Since he last pitched Aug. 18, this effectively ends Eflin's season. He began throwing again earlier this month, so it would seem that he is on track to be ready for the 2018 season. The 23-year-old righty notched a 6.16 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 35:12 K:BB in 64.1 innings in the big leagues and now has a 5.85 ERA in 127.2 MLB innings.

Eflin (shoulder) has begun throwing, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eflin is sidelined with a shoulder impingement. He is not yet ruled out for the season, but he'll need to avoid any setbacks to return to the mound this month.

Eflin (shoulder) said he is hopeful he can return sometime in September, Matt Gelb of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eflin is sidelined with soreness in his throwing shoulder. He has not thrown a ball since Aug. 18 and will need to progress to a throwing program before a clearer return date emerges.

Eflin (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

After Eflin departed his most recent start Friday with right shoulder discomfort, the Phillies had been hopeful he wouldn't require a trip to the DL, but those plans were foiled after he was later diagnosed with a strain. Until Eflin is cleared to resume a throwing program, he'll face an uncertain timetable to return from the DL, forcing the Phillies to add a new pitcher into the rotation for the time being. Mark Leiter, who was moved to the bullpen last week to make room for the recently recalled Ben Lively, seems to be the most logical candidate to assume Eflin's spot in the rotation.

Manager Pete Mackanin said head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan examined Eflin (shoulder) on Saturday and "didn't think there was a whole lot there," Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eflin left his start Friday after feeling some discomfort in his shoulder. He said he felt better Saturday. It remains unclear if he will be able to make his next start, however.

Eflin left his start Friday with discomfort in his right shoulder, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eflin was due to be pulled after five innings anyway, having allowed six runs to that point. He said that his removal from the game was precautionary. The Phillies will have the righty examined Saturday.

Eflin (1-5) allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks with two strikeouts over five innings Friday in a loss to the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Eflin has now allowed at least seven hits in each of his past six starts, a stretch in which he owns a brutal 9.46 ERA. The Phillies need anybody who can eat innings at this point, but it's hard to see a future for Eflin in the rotation given his performance thus far.