Nick Piccone
Today, Phillies pitchers and catchers reported to spring training in Clearwater, but their highest paid pitcher was absent. Matt Harrison, the injured pitcher the Phillies acquired in the Cole Hamels-Rangers deal last summer probably won’t pitch for the team at all this season.
The Phillies have excused Harrison, who recently saw a back specialist, from spring training.
“The truth is we are not expecting him to be here anytime soon, if at all, this year,” Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said. “If things go well, we’ll be happy to get him back. But the reality is we’re in a wait-and-see mode.”
This shouldn’t exactly be a surprise since Harrison was put on the disabled list upon the trade completion as the Phillies took on the remained of Harrison’s $32 million contract. Due $13+ million the next two seasons, Harrison’s contract can be bought out in 2018 for $2 million.
The Phillies also have the chance to get back some of the money Harrison’s owed because his contract is insured. Harrison had spinal fusion surgery in June 2014.