The rebuilding Phillies suffered a significant loss today, announcing that oufielder Aaron Altherr requires wrist surgery and will be sidelined for four to six months. Altherr’s surgery will repair a torn extensor carpi ulnaris retinaculum in his left wrist and will be performed tomorrow by Dr. Randall Culp. Altherr reportedly suffered the injury making a diving play back on March 4, though his initial belief was that this injury wasn’t as serious as a previous wrist injury that required surgery in 2013.
The 25-year-old Altherr figured to receive everyday at-bats (or close to it) in Philadelphia on the heels of a solid rookie campaign in which he batted .241/.338/.489 in 161 trips to the plate. Altherr racked up 11 doubles, four triples and five homers in addition to six steals in his brief time with the Phils, flashing the extra-base power and speed that made him one of the organization’s more intriguing prospects. Between that success and the .293/.367/.487 batting line authored by Altherr between Double-A and Triple-A last year, the German-born outfielder had little to prove in the minor leagues.
With Altherr now spending the bulk, if not the entirety of the season on the disabled list, the door is open for Rule 5 pick Tyler Goeddel to make the club and carve out a role with the team. The Phillies also have sophomore Odubel Herrera (a Rule 5 pick himself a year ago) in the mix after his own strong rookie season. Veteran Peter Bourjos and former top prospect Cody Asche are both options for manager Pete Mackanin, too, though each will need to rebuild his stock after a poor showing in 2015.
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DeJesus would be a good sign for the Phillies in the wake of Altherr’s unfortunate injury.
Wouldn’t be against bringing in outside help, but we have a bunch within the organization already.
That’s a shame, was curious to see if he could build upon his solid rookie year. Disappointing for the organization as well
Goedell and Bourjous will probably make the roster now with ease. Throw David Lough onto the bench
Lough has been hitting very well in camp, and they claimed Bourjos to do just that–fill in in the outfield– they could be possible trade candidates at the deadline if they play well enough (Figure a few lotto ticket prospects)
Another option– Brock Stassi– He’s already 26 and he’s played 240 innings in left throughout his career–Playing unbelievably well in camp thus far.
I hope the Phillies don’t rush Altherr, though. He has some real potential and I’d hate to see a more severe injury to the same wrist–
Tough news for a talented young kid.
Just a technical note: “German bored” is a bit misleading, as Altherr was born in Germany as an American citizen, as his mother was a GI stationed there at the time of his birth.
I’m sure he’s going to be a bit “bored” over the next few months, but not because he was “German born”.
Could have signed Austin Jackson… traded him later. Can still do the same with Byrd or Rios. The season’s a race to 100 losses anyway, why not try to pick-up assets along the way and keep a couple guys down on the service time.
So correct me if I’m wrong: Altherr will not accrue service time on the 60-day DL, right?
mlbtraderumors.com/2009/06/service-time.html
The link won’t copy, but all DL’s and even suspensions count toward service time unless there’s been a CBA since 2009 that’s changed the rule.
He will in deed accrue service time while on the DL: mlbtraderumors.com/2009/06/service-time.html
I think the Phillies will replace Altherr on the 25 man roster when cuts start being made in ST camps, especially with players out of options, Arcia from the Twins would make sense as well as some of the Rays and Astros OFs, both teams have too many. Dodgers Van Slyke could be an option too.
And maybe, just maybe…. Sweeney can start hitting and and win a spot.