Phillies injury update just cast Giants trade deadline deal in a darker light

The early returns for the Philadelphia Phillies on the trade that sent prospects Ramon Marquez and Marty Gair to the SF Giants in exchange for second baseman Luis Arraez and reliever Caleb Kilian were quite positive. 

Arraez got some very big hits in his first few games and quickly won over the fans in Philadelphia which is everything the Phillies could have hoped for as they make a playoff push. Sunday cast the trade in a much darker light, though.

First off, Kilian, who had struggled to the tune of a 13.50 ERA in four appearances for the Phillies (most of that damage came in one four-run outing, though), injured himself at the end of Sunday’s game. It seems to have been an oblique injury and manager Don Mattingly said it “didn't look good” although Kilian did get the win in the contest after pitching a scoreless inning.

Not only that, but Arraez had a really uncharacteristic game after going 0-for-6 at the plate in the 12-inning game against the Toronto Blue Jays and leaving seven runners on base. It was his worst game with the Phillies so far as he’s now hitting .259/.276/.444 with one home run and five runs driven in since joining his new team.

If the Phillies lose Kilian to the IL that definitely casts the trade in a different light. Arraez was the obvious centerpiece and while Kilian was just an add-on, the Phillies needed bullpen help so if they lose one of their bullpen reinforcements that could definitely have ramifications the rest of the season.

Arraez probably shouldn’t be worried about too much. Sure, it was a tough game at the plate but no one would be shocked if he went 4-for-4 his next game to even things out just a little bit. Take Sunday's game out and he's been very solid.

Giants got a nice return in the Luis Arraez trade

The Phillies gave up a good amount to get what amounts to a rental in Arraez. If he were to get hurt or didn’t do as well as the Phillies hoped he would then there may be part of them that ends up regretting the deal.

They had to give up their No. 4 prospect Marquez who is seen as a guy who could develop into a solid starting pitcher down the road. He’s just 20 years old so nothing is assured obviously but he has some pretty wicked stuff and the Giants were really excited to get him at the trade deadline.

Giants fans will certainly be cheering for Arraez, though. He was very popular in his brief time in San Francisco so one can only hope he can do something heroic like help the Phillies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs.

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