Phillies unconcerned that reliever Hector Neris’ delivery violates any rules

ST. LOUIS -- As far as the Phillies are concerned, Hector Neris should feel free to pitch in the same way that he always has.

It will be interesting to see if Major League Baseball disagrees.

Neris didn’t appear in a game over the weekend, so he hasn’t been on the mound since Friday night, when home-plate umpire Bill Miller stopped the game one pitch into the ninth inning to inform the Phillies reliever that he must separate his hands when he comes set in the stretch position before eventually bringing them together.

Those instructions run counter to Neris’ usual delivery, in which his hands are together from the start.

Manager Gabe Kapler sought clarification from Miller during the inning and again after the game. Miller said only that he was certain of the rule. Kapler wasn’t so sure.

Over the weekend, Kapler spoke with MLB vice president Joe Torre and received more information. And although the Phillies continue to have questions over why Neris’ delivery was suddenly an issue when it never came up previously, they believe he’s in compliance with the rulebook and shouldn’t need to make any alterations.

Neris has pitched well this year after a season of extremes in 2018. Entering Monday night’s series opener here at Busch Stadium against the Cardinals, he had allowed four runs on 11 hits in 14⅔ innings for a 2.45 ERA. Neris racked up 22 strikeouts, walked only three batters, and was 5-for-5 in save opportunities.

A year ago at this time, Neris began a struggle that landed him back in triple A for six weeks. When he returned in August, he posted a 2.04 ERA and struck out 35 batters in 17⅔ innings.

Presumably, Neris will pitch in this week's series against the Cardinals. When he does, will St. Louis manager Mike Shildt request that the umpires make him alter his delivery?

Regardless, Kapler and Neris said they were not concerned that it would become a problem.

After seeing team physician Steven Cohen last week, reliever David Robertston was cleared to begin gripping exercises and could begin playing catch by the end of the week. Robertson has been sidelined since April 15 with a strained flexor tendon in his right elbow/forearm.

Utility infielder Scott Kingery (right hamstring strain) continued his running program, though not yet at full speed, and took limited range grounders. He could begin running the bases by the weekend. It hasn't been determined if he will need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before being reinstated from the injured list.

Beginning with Monday night’s game, 19 of the Phillies’ next 29 games will be on the road. That might be good news for Bryce Harper, who entered the week batting .306 with a .923 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 12 road games compared with .183 with a .785 OPS in 21 games at home. ... With his RBI bunt single on Sunday, Zach Eflin became the first Phillies pitcher to execute a safety squeeze since Kevin Millwood on May 11, 2004. ... The Phillies launched their seventh annual Phantastic charity auction, with part of the proceeds going to the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association as part of the Phillies Phestival on June 13. Last year’s auction raised more than $129,000 for Phillies Charities Inc. Among the 52 items up for bid: a Wiffle ball party with Harper and having Charlie Manuel and Larry Bowa coach a youth baseball team. ... Aaron Nola (2-0, 5.06 ERA) will be opposed Tuesday night by Cardinals right-hander Dakota Hudson (2-2, 4.80). Nola has a 2.50 ERA in his last three starts after posting a 7.45 mark through his first four outings.

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