Phillies injury updates: Eflin, Howard, Haseley and Gregorius

With just over two weeks until opening day, the Philadelphia Phillies are dealing with some injuries.

• The team’s expected No. 3 starter Zach Eflin is day-to-day after his back flared up when he was getting in some extra work in the bullpen recently. After posting a 3.39 FIP in 59 innings a season ago, the Phillies hope that Eflin emerges as another frontline starter to pair with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler.

• Meanwhile Spencer Howard continues to deal with back spasms. The 24-year-old was slated to pitch in Monday’s Grapefruit League game, but the back spasms prevented him from doing so. Girardi hoped at the time that Howard would be ready to go again in a couple days, but that didn’t ultimately prove to be the case. The organization’s top prospect, Howard has dealt with shoulder injuries in each of the past two seasons.

• Didi Gregorius was hit in the back of the head by a pitch Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, and Girardi says the team will re-evaluate him on Friday. Gregorius did report some having a “minor, minor headache” after being hit, though it’s not clear if he’s been diagnosed with a concussion.

• Finally, Girardi said on March 5 that Adam Haseley would be out for four weeks with a moderate left groin strain. Girardi updated Haseley’s status Wednesday, saying that the 24-year-old has taken batting practice, shagged fly balls and run, though probably not at full-speed yet. Girardi said that Haseley is “progressing well.”

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