PHOENIX -- The Phillies caught a break last week when the D-backs traded their ace, Zack Greinke, to the Astros. He would have faced the Phils on Tuesday at Chase Field.

The Phillies would have tried to gain every advantage possible against Greinke, which meant they might have loaded up their lineup with left-handed hitters. Corey Dickerson would have been an option, although he has hit .136 (3-for-22) against him in his career. Dickerson, whom the Phillies acquired Wednesday from the Pirates, is batting .330 with a .973 OPS against right-handers this season.

Dickerson was not in Monday night’s lineup against D-backs right-hander Merrill Kelly, despite going 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs on Sunday against the White Sox. Phillies manager Gabe Kapler explained that because Dickerson is recovering from a groin injury, they are leery of playing him in back-to-back games.

It shouldn’t be that way much longer.

“We felt like the best decision for the Phillies long term and for Corey Dickerson’s health was to give him the blow,” Kapler said. “He’s very close to being full strength. This is more getting him to full strength and not managing through an injury.”

Injury updates

• Outfielder Jay Bruce (strained right oblique) is getting closer to being activated from the 10-day injured list. It could happen before the end of this weekend's series in San Francisco.

• Left-hander Adam Morgan (strained left flexor) does not need surgery. The Phillies are hoping to rest Morgan's arm for two weeks before he begins throwing. He is optimistic about pitching again this season.

• Right-hander David Robertson is scheduled to get a second opinion on his right elbow during an Aug. 14 visit with Dr. James Andrews. Robertson will need surgery to repair the flexor in his right elbow, but he is hoping to avoid Tommy John surgery.