The Philadelphia Phillies are expecting All-Star Bryce Harper to report to Spring Training on Wednesday.
Harper is currently rehabbing from late-November Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow. The 30-year old was forced to play the majority of the season as the Phils’ designated hitter after injuring his elbow last Spring. Despite the elbow injury –and a subsequent trip to the DL with a broken hand– Harper slashed .286/.364/.514 with 18 HR, 65 RBI, and a .877 OPS helping propel the Phillies to the National League pennant.
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins has been noticeably absent from Spring Training, now we know why.
According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Hoskins quietly underwent offseason meniscus surgery to clear up some “wear and tear” on his right knee. The 29-year old has been cleared for baseball activities and is expected in the Phils’ lineup this weekend.
Rhys Hoskins has yet to appear in a game. The Phillies today, after being asked about Hoskins, said he underwent surgery in mid-December to repair his meniscus. The team says he has been cleared for full activity all camp, but he won't play in a game until Friday.
Noah Song. Image: United States Naval Academy Baseball
Philadelphia PhilliesRule 5 Draft pickNoah Song has been transferred by the United States Navy from active duty to select reserves allowing the 25-year old to pursue his baseball career.
A product of the United States Naval Academy, Song was originally selected in the 4th round of the 2019 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Scouts projected Song as a potential first round draft pick if it weren’t for his commitment to the Navy. The righty pitched in seven games for the Single-A Lowell Spinners in 2019 registering a 1.06 ERA with 19 K, 5 BB, and a.882 WHIP. The Navy came calling immediately following the 2019 season, ordering Song to report to flight school.
Current Phillies’ president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was instrumental in drafting Song during his time with Boston.
Per MLB Rule 5 Draft rules, Song will have to be placed on the active roster and stay there all season or placed on waivers and offered back to Boston if he clears waivers. Song is not currently on the 40-man roster however the Phillies will need to add him prior to first pitch on Opening Day.
It’s a fascinating storyline to follow as Spring Training kicks into high gear.
Ladies and gentlemen, it appears as though we have a winner of the 2022 Phillies radio broadcaster Royal Rumble!
While there has been no official word from the Phillies, MLB.com scribe Todd Zolecki let the cat out of the bag in the last few sentences on a recent piece about Scott Franzke and Larry Andersen’s charity beer initiative. (The article is worth your time, check it out here.)
“Andersen is not only back, but he will be broadcasting around 60 home games this season, which is more than last year. Kevin Stocker will be Franzke’s analyst for the remaining home games, plus 81 road games. Stocker had been in a four-man rotation last season with Michael Bourn, Chad Durbin, and Erik Kratz.”
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a deal with free agent reliever Craig Kimbrel. The length and dollars on the deal have not been reported. The deal is a one-year deal worth a reported $10 million.
Free-agent reliever Craig Kimbrel in agreement with Phillies, source tells @TheAthletic.
Kimbrel , 34, spent the 2022 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He appeared in 63-games for LA posting a 3.75 ERA, a 1.317 WHIP, and 22 saves in 60 innings pitched.
The Philadelphia Phillies busy Tuesday night continues. After signing starter Taijuan Walker, the Phillies have reportedly inked reliever Matt Strahm to a 2-year/$15MM deal.
Source confirms multiple reports the Phillies and LHP Matt Strahm are close to a two-year deal. A reported $15 million.
Trea Turner: 11 years, $300 million Taijuan Walker: 4 years, $72 million Matt Strahm: 2 years, $15 million
Strahm, 31, spent 2022 with the Boston Red Sox going 4-4 with a 3.83 ERA, 1.231 WHIP, 10.5 K/9 in 44.2 innings out of the bullpen. Prior to Boston, Strahm spent 2018-2021 with the San Diego Padres and 2016-17 with Kansas City. He was drafted by Kansas City in the 21st round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Neosho Community College.
The Philadelphia Phillies are staying busy on the free agent front. A day after signing Trea Turner, the Phillies have reached an agreement with starting pitcher Taijuan Walker.
Taijuan Walker gets four years, $72M from Phillies, source says.
Zach Eflin is now officially a former Philadelphia Phillie. The 28-year old righty has inked a 3-year/$40MM deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, the richest in Tampa’s history. The deal is pending a physical.
The deal will pay Eflin $11MM in 2023 & 2024 and balloon to $18MM in 2025.