CLEARWATER, Fla. – With just one day remaining in the Philadelphia Phillies' offseason, as pitchers and catchers report ahead of their first workout on Feb. 18, Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes two absences from the locker room at Bright House Field—eight-year veteran southpaw Matt Harrison and recently-acquired right-hander Yoervis Medina.
While Medina's absence was due to "visa issues," according to Gelb, Harrison not showing is the continuation of a prolonged recovery process as he deals with back and thyroid issues. It was reported on Jan. 22 that Harrison would not be expected to be ready for spring training, and that he would be unlikely to pitch 'anytime soon.'
Phillies general manager Matt Klentak told reporters on Wednesday that Harrison was examined by a back specialist earlier in the week, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. Multiple reports state that Harrison has been "excused" from spring training by the organization.
Salisbury later added that Medina's visa issue could take "a couple of weeks" before it comes to a resolution.
Harrison, 30, was dealt to the Phillies on July 31, 2015, in the seven-player transaction that sent 2008 World Series Most Valuable Player Cole Hamels to the Texas Rangers. With a 2016 salary of $13.2 million, Harrison is the Phillies' highest-paid pitcher on their roster, and the second highest-paid overall, trailing first baseman Ryan Howard's $25 million salary. Insurance stipulations could recoup the Phillies back some of Harrison's salary, however, depending on how little he plays this season.
Gelb writes:
The Phillies assumed the remaining $32 million on the 30-year-old lefthander's contract as part of the Cole Hamels trade with Texas to enhance the prospect package in return. They immediately placed Harrison on the 60-day disabled list with a back injury last July when the trade was completed. . . .The Phillies have been careful not to totally eliminate Harrison's chances of pitching, but that could be for insurance purposes. General manager Matt Klentak said earlier in the month it was too soon to predict Harrison's status.
Medina, 27, was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Feb. 3 in exchange for former top prospect Jesse Biddle. Once the right-hander arrives to camp, he will compete with 13 other non-roster invitees for limited open positions in the Phillies' bullpen.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
