Phillies outfielder Aaron Altherr will miss four to six months as he will undergo surgery on his left wrist on Wednesday, Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The diagnosis is a torn extensor carpi ulnaris retinaculum, per CSN Philly’s Marshall Harris. Altherr suffered the injury in the first inning of Friday’s Grapefruit League exhibition, attempting to make a diving catch.
This is a big blow for the Phillies as this was Altherr’s chance to prove his performance in 39 games last season wasn’t a fluke. The 25-year-old hit .241/.338/.489 with five home runs, 22 RBI, 25 runs scored, and six stolen bases over 161 plate appearances while also showcasing solid defense in the outfield corners. He was projected to be the Phillies’ Opening Day right fielder.
Rule-5 pick Tyler Goeddel, Peter Bourjos, and Cody Asche now have opportunities for a full-time outfield job and will have the remainder of spring training to prove themselves.