NEW YORK -- The Phillies will get a look at another top prospect Tuesday night at Citi Field.
Triple-A Lehigh Valley right-hander Enyel De Los Santos will make his big league debut against the Mets on Tuesday. De Los Santos is the Phillies' No. 11 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. A strong performance from De Los Santos could help convince the Phils' front office that it has a solid internal option should the need arise for another starting pitcher.
The Phillies are expected to place infielder Pedro Florimon on the 60-day disabled list to make room for De Los Santos on the 40-man roster. Philadelphia needs a starter for Tuesday's game because Vince Velasquez is not eligible to be activated from the 10-day DL until Wednesday night's series finale.
"We are likely to select De Los Santos as our starter for tomorrow," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler confirmed before Monday's doubleheader against the Mets.
De Los Santos, 22, is 9-3 with a 1.89 ERA in 16 starts with Lehigh Valley. He has been selected as the starter in the International League All-Star Game and as the Phillies' lone representative in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game on Sunday at Nationals Park. The Phils acquired the righty in December from the Padres in exchange for shortstop Freddy Galvis.
Velasquez (bruised right forearm) is expected to start Wednesday. Nick Pivetta is set to start Thursday in Baltimore, with Jacob Arrieta expected to pitch Friday in Miami. Zach Eflin and Aaron Nola will throw Saturday and Sunday against the Marlins, although the Phillies have not decided who will pitch on what day.
Nola's starting day is noteworthy because he earned a spot on the National League All-Star team. If he pitches Sunday, he will not be eligible to pitch in the Midsummer Classic on July 17.
"I'll wait until after he has gone through his start and after the day is over, then I'll sit down and discuss it with him," Kapler said. "Certainly there's several considerations. I'll leave it at that. Once I talk to Noles, we'll have a more meaningful discussion."
There has been plenty of focus on the Phillies' rotation as the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches. Sources have told MLB.com that the Phils are likely to focus on a bat and bullpen help more than a starting pitcher.
There is reason for that. The Phillies' rotation has a 3.80 ERA and a .694 opponents OPS, which both rank eighth in the Major Leagues. It is fifth in the Majors with a 3.70 xFIP and third with a 10.0 WAR, according to FanGraphs.
In other words, the Phillies seem inclined to allocate their trade assets elsewhere.
Elsewhere could mean a third baseman like the Royals' Mike Moustakas. MLB.com's Jon Morosi reported recently that the Phillies have inquired about super-utility man Whit Merrifield, who most in Kansas City believe should have made the American League All-Star team. The Phils have liked Merrifield since this past offseason.