Phillies release Gregorius, activate Segura from IL

PHILADELPHIA -- Didi Gregorius has played his final game as a Philadelphia Phillie. The Phillies on Thursday released the veteran shortstop in a flurry of moves that saw the team activate second baseman Jean Segura from the 60-day injured list.

Segura was placed on the IL on June 1 after he fractured his right index finger attempting to bunt for a hit. The second baseman will bat seventh in his return Thursday night.

The Phillies said newly acquired center fielder Brandon Marsh and starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard have reported to the team. Syndergaard will start the Phillies' series opener against the Washington Nationals on Thursday night.

Marsh will start in CF and bat ninth for the Phillies in his debut.

Syndergaard and Marsh were both acquired from the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday in separate trades.

Thursday night will be Syndergaard's first start since July 25.

"He hasn't pitched in nine days so we'll have to keep an eye on that, but he just quickly said he's been throwing bullpens and he's ready to go tonight," interim manager Rob Thomson said. "We'll get some further information tonight before game time."

Starting pitcher Kyle Gibson also is back with the team after being activated from the bereavement list.

Since coming back from the injured list on June 5, Gregorius hit .181/.234/.284 with a .517 OPS. The 32-year-old hit his first home run of the season in a 10-0 win over the Miami Marlins on July 16.

Originally signed as a free agent in December 2019 and then brought back on a two-year deal in 2021, Gregorius finishes his Phillies career with a .671 OPS and 24 home runs in 877 plate appearances in parts of three seasons.

By releasing Gregorius, the Phillies will be paying about $5 million left on his contract, according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb.

With Bryson Stott's emergence, Gregorius appeared on borrowed time with the Phillies. Factor Segura's activation from the IL and the recent trade acquisition of Edmundo Sosa, Gregorius didn't make much sense for the Phils as a left-handed bench shortstop.

Stott is expected to take over as the everyday shortstop with Sosa, a right-handed, light-hitting bat with a premium glove, serving as the backup. Yairo Muñoz is also another infield depth option for the Phillies.

Gregorius currently has 999 career hits.

Bryce Harper update

On June 25, Bryce Harper fractured his thumb after being hit by Padres starting pitcher Blake Snell in San Diego.

On Monday, Harper had pins removed from the thumb and has been able to ramp up baseball activities.

Harper could begin rehab games soon, but what about the timing of a return?

"Like I said before, I don't like putting timelines on anything because I don't how I'm going to react," Harper said Thursday. "I don't know how my body is going to react or how my thumb is going to react. We're still on the same timeline of September-ish and come back when I'm ready and able to come back."

The 29-year-old Harper also chimed in on the Phillies' trade deadline.

Harper was pleased with what president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski pulled off.

"I thought it was great. I think people don't like the way Dave works because he works a little bit under the radar a little bit," Harper said. "He's always been that way and I kind of like that because he kind of knows what we're going to do. So, I think being able to see what he did do, he added what we needed. He got the starting pitcher that we needed, the center fielder that we needed and a bullpen guy."

On David Robertson, who the Phillies acquired for pitching prospect Ben Brown:

"He brought in Robby, who's kind of on a revenge tour for us because he threw for us and got hurt and it is what it is. It's something that happens in baseball. Had a great first half for the Cubs and he was the guy that was available for us. Really excited to have him back for the type of person he is, throwing late in games, been there. I think anybody in that bullpen can throw in any spot in any big situation and I think he's that same guy, he's going to go out there and get outs for us in any spots he can."

On Marsh, who the Phillies traded catching prospect Logan O'Hoppe for:

"I don't think people realize how good he was or is at the same time in the outfield. That swing is going to come along, it did for him in the minor leagues. Once he gets to play every single day and being here with Kevin Long, I think he's going to be really good for us."

On Syndergaard, who the Phillies acquired for outfielder Mickey Moniak and prospect Jadiel Sánchez:

"Had a great first half. I know he's coming back from Tommy John, right? So just being able to have him in competitive innings for us. I know he's really excited about that. I'm excited to see him on our side for the first time. I know he's excited to be back in that postseason we're trying to go get, trying to go after. He's going to throw some competitive innings for us starting tonight. I'm really excited to see him. Really excited to see him on our side. He's got that fight, that attitude that you want on the mound, and seeing him in years past, it's good having him back on our side."

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