When the Philadelphia Phillies signed free agent Delmon
Young this offseason, they were hoping he would be one of the team’s Opening
Day outfielders. However, Young is behind schedule in his recovery from
microfracture surgery on his ankle, a procedure he underwent in November, and
it appears he could start the season on the disabled list, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. had previously said
that Young may be behind schedule and could miss spring training games until
mid-March. However, when asked about Young yesterday, manager Charlie Manuel
said that he thinks “there’s a chance he’ll miss some time,” specifically
during the regular season.
Young told reporters that it’s ultimately up to doctors when
he returns. His ankle is “feeling good,” but he won’t be able to put a date on
a possible return because he’s not a doctor.
The Phillies signed Young to a low-risk, $750k contract
earlier this offseason. The deal has the potential to reach $3.5 million, but
only if Young stays healthy and performs well. Also included in the contract
are weight bonuses, as the outfielder will be weighed in to encourage him to
keep his size down over the season.
It was previously believed that Domonic Brown and Darin Ruf
were competing for one Opening Day corner outfield position, with Young
expected to occupy the other. However, with Young’s injury, both young
outfielders could break camp as starters for the Phillies.
Follow @mlbinjurynews
Looking for fantasy baseball advice?
