Freddy Galvis, who has been filling in for the oft-injured Chase Utley, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list.
What was thought to be a back sprain has been confirmed as a pars fracture.
A pars fracture is a fracture to the bony rear portion of the spine. The injury was at very least exacerbated after Galvis fouled a pitch off in the fifth inning of Wednesday’s loss to the Dodgers. He tried to remain in the game, but after seeing just two more pitches, he had to leave. The team is not certain on when the fracture actually occurred.
Galvis is expected to miss a minimum of six weeks. According to David Hale of the Courier-Post, the injury could keep Galvis out for longer. He won’t need surgery, but the normal healing process requires wearing a back brace for six weeks and then re-evaluating.
Galvis has been filling in for Chase Utley since the start of the season. He has played in 58 games and is hitting .226/.254/.363. Galvis, like many of the Phillies players, has struggled at the plate this season. In his first Major League season, Galvis currently has an OPS+ of just 65.
Chase Utley has not played for the Phillies at all this season because of chronic pain in his knees. Utley has a long history of injury to his knees and while he thought he would be ready for opening day, he simply couldn’t shake the pain. Utley has been rehabbing the knees and made his first rehab start last Monday. It’s not clear how far Utley is from returning to the Phillies lineup, but they can certainly use the help.
While Philadelphia waits for Utley’s return, Galvis will be replaced in the lineup by Mike Fontenot. Fontenot has played in 17 games this year, starting six of them. He is hitting .394/.474/.515 in limited action.
Be sure to check out That Ball’s Outta Here for more coverage of Galvis and the Phillies.