Aaron Altherr before the Phillies and Blue Jays faced off in Dunedin on Wednesday. (Photo: Frank Klose/Philliedelphia)
CLEARWATER, Fla — The Phillies are only four days into Grapefruit League action. But, with Major League roster spots on the line, it is ill-timed for some Phillies players. Here is a look at the list of current Phillies with updates on their statuses heading into Saturday's game in Dunedin..
Aaron Altherr
Phillies right fielder Aaron Altherr caught a bit of a break on Friday afternoon. In the first inning, Altherr dove to his left on a fly ball off the bat of Ender Inciarte. Altherr did not come up with the ball and in the process injured his wrist. Luckily for the Phillies the injury is just listed as "soreness" and he is day-to-day.
Tyler Goeddel
Goeddel was hit in the helmet by a pitch during Friday's home game against the Atlanta Braves. With concern throughout professional sports about concussions and their effect on the long-term health of athletes, one might wonder if Goeddel's immediate exit from the game was related to injury. Goeddel is back in today's lineup in Dunedin against the Blue Jays today.
Cody Asche
For Cody Asche, Spring Training 2016 has a direct correlation to his long-term success as a Phillies player and whether or not the Phillies keep Asche. Asche has been dealing with an oblique injury and has not yet appeared in Grapefruit League action thus far. This is not an injury to take lightly, so Asche remains out. There is no timeline just yet on when Asche might return.
Jimmy Cordero
Cordero is known for being one of the two flame-throwing pitchers acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for outfielder Ben Revere. Cordero has not pitched yet in the Grapefruit League due to biceps soreness. Cordero has begun bullpen sessions and we could see him in a Grapefruit League game soon.
Andres Blanco
Blanco has not played in a Spring Training either thus far in 2016. Blanco has a minor shoulder injury. However, Blanco has been working out with his teammates this week. Blanco could see his first Grapefruit League action on Monday.
Jerad Eickhoff
Eickhoff is finally looking as if he will start to face batters. After breaking his thumb during a bunting drill, the Philllies right-hander is expected to throw to live batters in the next few days. That may not necessarily mean a Grapefruit League game, but the news is good.
Ryan Howard, Charlie Manuel, Nick Williams, Tyler Goeddel, Steve Henderson, Dave Brundage, and Mike Schmidt
The above players are currently battling the flu. That explains Howard's early exit on Thursday, reports Philly Voice's Ryan Lawrence. The virus is not that serious, but could explain some absences in coming days.
