The Philadelphia Phillies dealing with a rash of injuries two weeks before opener.
The month began with top prospect Andrew Painter spraining the UCL in his right elbow after his first spring training start.
Painter’s injury opened the spot up for Bailey Falter, but then Ranger Suarez returned early from the World Baseball Classic with forearm tightness after an exhibition start against the Astros on March 8.
Suarez seems to be back on track, but his status for the first week of the season is up in the air. If Suarez can’t make his first turn through the rotation, left-hander Michael Plassmeyer would currently be the next man up.
Cristopher Sanchez had been a candidate but he’s dealt with injuries and diminished velocity in camp. Relief pitcher Nick Nelson is dealing with a left hamstring strain.
The Phillies top backups to catcher J.T. Realmuto are dinged up. Garrett Stubbs left the WBC early with a knee issue and Rafael Marchan hasn’t played in a week because of a hand injury.
There is no other catcher on the 40-man roster, though the Phillies have 33-year-old veteran John Hicks in camp. He has big-league experience in six seasons with the Tigers, Rangers and Mariners.
Photo courtsey of ClutchPoints
