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Phillies Spring Training: Freddy Galvis Suffers Groin Injury

By George Stockburger

May 6, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) looks on from the dugout during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis (13) looks on from the dugout during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. The Marlins won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Galvis will no longer participate in the World Baseball Classic and stay with the Phillies to rehab

With competition mounting at the Phillies shortstop position, the pressure is on Freddy Galvis to hold off top prospect J.P. Crawford for as long as possible. The Venezuelan shortstop will start camp behind the eight ball as he deals with a groin strain.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com says the injury is a day-to-day issue for Galvis, who will no longer play in the World Baseball Classic for Venezuela next month.

Galvis has been a model of health over the past two seasons for the Phillies, playing in 309 out of 324 possible games. His last trip to the disabled list came in 2014 when dealing with a staph infection during spring training. Prior to that he missed half of the 2012 season with a lower-back fracture, and a subsequent performance-enhancing drug suspension.

When Galvis was projected to be out of Clearwater to play in the World Baseball Classic, top prospect J.P. Crawford was expected to get extended looks as the starting shortstop. If Galvis’ injury is not too severe, his increased presence could cut into Crawford’s playing time with the major league starters. Vice versa should the groin strain keep Galvis sidelined for a longer period of time.

Next: Jake Thompson Injures Wrist

Galvis hit a career-high 20 home runs last season while also striking out 136 times and producing a .274 on-base percentage. His role going forward with the club is questionable at best, and missing any playing time could be detrimental to the length of his tenure in Philadelphia.

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