Phillies Release Injured Starting Pitcher Matt Harrison
After never making a start for the Phillies, Matt Harrison has been granted his release
A piece of the Phillies trade involving Cole Hamels is officially out the door. Veteran starting pitcher Matt Harrison was released from the 40-man roster after spending all of last season on the disabled list with a back injury and hyperthyroidism.
The release of Harrison opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for the Phillies to protect another coveted prospect from the Rule 5 Draft.
Harrison was primarily included in the Hamels trade to relieve some of the cap hit Texas would be taking on with Hamels large contract. The 31-year-old remained on the 60-day disabled list from July of 2015 through the end of the 2016 season with the injuries.
More from Phillies News
- How Phillies’ Ranger Suárez is set to build on 2022 postseason dominance
- What can Philadelphia Phillies expect from Bryson Stott in 2023?
- 3 Reasons to get excited for Phillies’ Craig Kimbrel signing
- Phillies-Mets owners’ rivalry grows after shocking Carlos Correa deal
- Could Rich Hill become ‘Jamie Moyer 2.0’ in Phillies rotation?
When healthy, Harrison was an effective pitcher who won 18 games in 2012. He finished eighth in the Cy Young award voting in his sole All-Star season.
The starting rotation could have sustained Harrison had he been healthy, but with Jeremy Hellickson accepting the qualifying offer space tightened up. With his health still uncertain and wanting to avoid any logjams for the Phillies young starters, the move was simply a formality that helps in the long-run.
With Hellickson slated return on a one-year $17 million deal, the team will look towards a healthy Aaron Nola, Zach Eflin, Jared Eickhoff, and Vincent Velasquez to fill the starting rotation once again.
Jake Thompson could compete for a job, but he will most-likely return to Lehigh Valley after struggling in the majors last season. Alec Asher and Adam Morgan will compete for a spot in the rotation should either Nola or Eflin not be ready to start the season healthy. Both will most likely land in Triple-A.
Next: Phillies Rumors: What's Following The Howie Kendrick Trade?
Prospects Ben Lively, Nick Pevetta, and (if healthy) Mark Appel could also compete for a job, but are less likely to make their major league debuts until later in the 2017 season.
General Manager Matt Klentak could still look to add a veteran starter on a minor-league deal who could make some spot-starts in Philadelphia should he be called upon.