Dave

Coggin

Arm problems have probably ruined Coggin’s chances of having a career as a fifth starter or a setup man. The former Phillies prospect will report to minor league camp.

Coggin will open the season on the DL and then go on a 30-day rehab assignment. He’s out of options, so once he’s healthy, the Phillies will have to decide whether to add him to their bullpen or send him through waivers.

Coggin, who was out of options, cleared waivers despite a solid spring. Ryan Madson apparently has won a spot in the Philadelphia bullpen.

Coggin, who has struggled to regain the velocity on his fastball as he comes back from shoulder surgery, topped out at 91 mph yesterday. There’s a chance that he could help the Phillies as a reliever later this season.

Coggin was scratched from his previous start because of the problem. Although he is back throwing 90-91 mph this year, it doesn’t look like his shoulder issues are ever going to go away.

Coggin is recovering from surgery to repair a partially torn labrum. The Phillies had hoped he’d be able to pitch in games later this month.

Coggin will return to Clearwater and resume his rehab.

The Phillies are going to have a tough decision to make later this month. Coggin, Amaury Telemaco (1 ER in 8 1/3 IP) and Bud Smith (3 ER in 4 2/3 IP) are all out of options, and there’s probably only going to be room in the bullpen for one of them. Our guess is that they’ll keep Coggin, trade Telemaco and try to slip Smith through waivers.