Phillies Top Prospect J.P. Crawford Goes Under the Knife

Mar 6, 2016; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop J.P. Crawford (77) during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop J.P. Crawford (77) during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies fans held their collective breathe when they heard their top prospect underwent knee surgery

While knee surgery on J.P. Crawford (the Phillies top prospect) doesn’t sound good, the Phillies insisted it was a minor clean-up procedure.

According to the Phillies official website, Crawford underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to remove a “loose body” on Wednesday.

Crawford is expected to rest for approximately four months before resuming regular baseball activities. The club expects him to be fully healthy for spring training in February to compete for a major league job.

The shortstop had hits 118 in 123 games between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He’s walked 72 times, and struck out only 80.

More from That Balls Outta Here

In 87 games with Lehigh Valley Crawford committed 12 errors. The Phillies will certainly want him to clean up his defense with a Gold Glove caliber Freddy Galvis currently starting.

J.P. Crawford was the Phillies first round pick in 2013 straight out of high school. Crawford is one of the youngest players at the Triple-A level at just 21-years-old.

Expect Crawford to be in spring training with the Phillies, but begin his season in Lehigh Valley looking to raise his batting average and lower his errors.

Freddy Galvis is a suitable option (at least with the glove) to hold down the fort until the future arrives in the form of J.P. Crawford.