PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Matt Harrison is not expected to be ready for Spring Training, and is 'unlikely to pitch anytime soon,' according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
Harrison, 30, was acquired from the Texas Rangers on July 31 in the seven-player trade that included 2008 World Series Most Valuable Player Cole Hamels and southpaw reliever Jake Diekman.
Upon his arrival to Philadelphia, Harrison was placed on the 15-day disabled list with lower back inflammation. He was later diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which could have contributed to his lingering injuries that limited him to just nine starts over three seasons.
Also from Matt Harrison: He's been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Hopes that is answer to his weight loss, back stiffness and lack of velo.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) August 1, 2015
Harrison was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on Sept. 1, which thus ended his season without making an appearance on the mound with his new team. On Nov. 6, he was activated and placed back on the 40-man roster.
The following is details of the insurance policy the Phillies possess on Harrison if he is unable to pitch, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
The policy entitles the Phils to 75 percent of Harrison’s salary past a certain cutoff, but only if the insurance company confirms that he is unable to perform due to a specific back issue, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
Harrison, who will turn 30 on Sept. 16, has made only nine starts since 2013, including three after he returned from back surgery in early July. . . .
The Phillies could be in line to collect insurance on Harrison even though the Rangers had activated him – Harrison’s return to the DL occurred within a 45-day recurrence period, according to the source. Still, it is not clear whether the insurance company will honor the claim, considering that Harrison had resumed pitching.
In 135 career appearances as a Ranger, 103 of which came as a starter, Harrison was 50-35 with a 4.21 ERA and a 1.403 WHIP ratio. The eight-year veteran was 7-3 with a 2.67 ERA and a 1.266 WHIP ratio spanning 87 2/3 innings against National League opponents.
Harrison is under contract with the Phillies through 2017 at $13.2 million per season. The southpaw has a team option worth $13.25 million for 2018, however the Phillies can buy him out for $2 million.
The Phillies hoped last season that Harrison would have provided a strong, top-of-the-rotation veteran presence for their young starters such as Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff and Adam Morgan. It appears he will continue to remain absent from the mound when pitchers and catchers are due to report next month to Clearwater, Florida.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
