The Phillies must stay healthy in 2019
Health is the key to any team’s success, no matter what the sport or the level of competition. Last season the Phillies were relatively healthy, though they did have some major bumps along the way.
An injury that was incredibly scary but might have been for the best was when Rhys Hoskins took a pitch to the jaw in the middle of a prolonged slump. After sitting out for a short period of time Hoskins came back and found his swing down the stretch.
Members of the starting rotation also dealt with minor injuries during the course of last season. Vince Velasquez suffered a forearm contusion after getting hit by a line drive and Zach Eflin dealt with a blister on a pitching finger.
Two key Phillies quietly played through injuries last year; Cesar Hernandez played with a broken foot and Jake Arrieta played through a meniscus injury that required offseason surgery.
Having Pat Neshek healthy to start the season is another plus for the Phillies after he missed over three months with a lat strain. Neshek, who is on the final guaranteed year of his contract is a critical piece for the bullpen as a setup man. If he plays well the Phillies could exercise his $7 million option. If they don’t exercise the option, then they’ll buy out the soon-to-be 39-year-old for $750,000.
Health has to be consistent across the board for the Phillies if they want to succeed in 2019.