Phillies minor leaguers show support for teammate Daniel Brito after latest update

Philadelphia Phillies minor leaguers show support for teammate Daniel Brito as his recovery continues

When Philadelphia Phillies minor-leaguer Daniel Brito collapsed on the field at the end of July, it was unclear if he would live, let alone play baseball again.

His health scare rocked the Phillies organization, and his recovery has taken months. But the latest updates, in the form of a stunningly beautiful piece by The Athletic‘s Matt Gelb (subscription required), are more than encouraging. In fact, we’ll go as far as to say Brito is an inspiration to us all.

His teammates in the organization agree, as several of them shared Gelb’s story to their Instagram Stories on Wednesday:

https://twitter.com/FS_TBOH/status/1491514159158243333?s=20&t=qng7Pt1OvvwBQvrfjXGE6A

Triple-A teammate Bryson Stott also shared Brito’s story to his Instagram, writing “Caballo, the best ever!”

Apparently, Brito’s nickname is ‘Horse’ (Caballo).

Brito’s breakout season was cut short and he spent months in the hospital, including 59 days in the ICU and one month in a coma. He needed two surgeries on his brain and dealt with a plethora of complications, including fluid in his lungs and paralysis of his left side. He lost fifty pounds and had to relearn how to walk, as well as play baseball.

Will Daniel Brito return to the Phillies after his health issues?

While it’s unclear if or when Brito will return to the Phillies system, he is remains signed with the organization. It was a technicality that enabled Brito to keep his health insurance, one of several ways the Phillies supported him and his family throughout this ordeal:

“…the Phillies offered financial assistance — rent, utilities, car payments, insurance — and covered hotel rooms for months for both Petit and Sifontes, who soon arrived from Venezuela. They provided meal money. The Rochester Red Wings, the Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate, offered assistance. A nearby church delivered food to the room.”The Athletic (Subscription required)

Criticize the Phillies for their losing seasons and various struggles, but they went above and beyond for Brito. They also made sure that his teammates were helped in the aftermath of his health scare, as it was traumatic for them, too. It’s commendable, but not surprising; the Phillies are known to take better care of their minor leaguers than most MLB clubs.

What Brito has gone through is a reminder both of the fragility of life and the strength of indomitable will. Hopefully, the next step in his comeback is a return to the diamond.