Reactivating healthy Phillies will probably require additional rehab time until Sept. 1 due to productive replacements on the active 25, but general manager Matt Klentak must be creative to maximize the talent from each slot.

Thirty players:

Some Philadelphia Phillies fans have wondered about five players on the disabled list who could return by mid-August. Thirty for September? Yes, but some must re-earn the spot they had before their injuries because call-ups are producing up to and beyond expectations.

IN OTHER WORDS: “Whatever the 25 guys on the roster, it’s my job to get the most out of those guys.” – Paul “the Ignitor” Molitor

Injuries can ruin a major league season. To illustrate, the Washington Nationals are having a summer of losing key players. Fortunately, the Phils have, for the most part, avoided crippling DL stints; and their young roster may be the reason.

After years of preparation, a player earns a gig in the majors, and the last thing he wants is an injury to make his job available. In fact, the only thing worse is a demotion to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Baseball has a culture of fear regarding time on the disabled list due to fierce competition. So, most play through physical issues until the injury stops them: The MLB has 750 jobs, many want those spots.

Aside from a just-vacated slot, players ready for reactivation might not find an opening. For instance, the red pinstripes optioned Edubray Ramos to Lehigh Valley because Austin Davis, his replacement, is effective and is a left-handed reliever.

Optioning, in this case, a pitcher, Klentak can ease Ramos back into form instead of risking an ineffective outing or two with the parent club. But, basically, Ramos must re-earn his bullpen role, even though he was a top back end arm in the pen. Ergo, motivation!

As for rehabbing, Jerad Eickhoff could spend three more weeks in the minors, or he could be ready in 10 days. His situation will depend on Nick Pivetta‘s effectiveness –or lack thereof.