40 Tommy Hunter RP

Hunter got just one out and allowed a pair of runs on a pair of hits in Thursday's win over the Nationals.

Hunter entered the top of the ninth with a three-run lead and got into trouble right away. He allowed a single and a double to start the inning but was bailed out by Seranthony Dominguez after recording just one out. Hunter's ERA now sits at 5.09 for the season, not at all the result the Phillies were hoping for when they signed him to a two-year, $18-million contract this past offseason. His underlying numbers look fine, though, as his excellent 2.9 percent walk rate is more than enough to make up for a mediocre 20.2 percent strikeout rate, especially when combined with an above-average groundball rate (51.9 percent, a career high). Hunter's FIP stands at just 2.36, suggesting that with a little positive regression he could end up deserving his important role in the Phillies' bullpen.

Hunter retired the only batter he faced to earn his first save of the season Sunday against the Brewers.

Luis Garcia started the ninth, but he allowed a single and a double to put the winning run in scoring position. On came Hunter, who got Christian Yelich to close out the threat. The Philadelphia bullpen is no sure thing these days, but Hunter doesn't appear first in line for saves behind Hector Nero's, with the likes of Garcia, Seranthony Dominguez and Edubray Ramos in the picture.

Hunter earned a hold but allowed a run on two hits and a walk in just two thirds of an innings Sunday against the Nationals.

Hunter was a key part of the bullpen implosion which turned a three-run lead into a walkoff loss. He entered the game with one out and a man on first in a 4-1 game in the bottom of the eighth. He did manage to strike out two tough lefties in Bryce Harper and Matt Adams, but a walk and two singles allowed a pair of runs to score before he got out of the inning. His ERA now sits at 4.26 through seven appearances since returning from a hamstring strain. Hunter could be next in line should closer Hector Neris slump or get injured, but he isn't staking a particularly impressive claim so far this season.

Hunter (hamstring) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Sunday.

Hunter will rejoin the Phillies' bullpen after missing the start of the season with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The 31-year-old will be a welcomed addition to the team's relief corps, as he posted a solid 2.61 ERA and 21.9 percent K-BB% with the Rays last season. Hoby Milner was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday to make room for Hunter's activation.

Hunter (hamstring) is scheduled to make a minor-league rehab appearance with Double-A Reading on Friday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Hunter, who has been sidelined all season with a hamstring injury, is inching closer to making his 2018 big-league debut. The reliever reportedly felt fine after making a rehab appearance for High-A Clearwater on Tuesday, clearing the way for him to make his next rehab outing with the Fighting Phils. If all goes well in Friday's rehab appearance, Hunter could rejoin the big club sometime over the weekend.