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The prior week in MLB was about an outfielder in the National League who underwent surgery, a team in the American League is targeting a free-agent starting pitcher, and a team is looking for a shortstop in free agency.
Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder Bryce Harper Undergoes Tommy John Surgery
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper underwent Tommy John surgery a couple of days ago, per a team announcement.
Bryce Harper underwent successful right elbow UCL reconstruction/repair with ulnar nerve transposition today with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, Calif.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) November 23, 2022
From the Phillies: Bryce Harper underwent successful right elbow UCL reconstruction/repair on Wednesday. The prognosis is for Harper to be returning as the DH by the All-Star break with a possible return to play right field towards the end of the regular season.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 23, 2022
The MLB team expects Harper to return as their designated hitter around the 2023 All-Star break and could return to right field by the end of the regular season.
Harper was diagnosed with a UCL tear last May, which forced him to become the club’s primary designated hitter.
Harper remained productive for the Phillies during the regular season last year despite the injury.
He compiled a .286 batting average and .877 OPS in 99 games with 63 runs scored, 28 doubles, one triple, 18 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases.
Harper was a catalyst for the Phillies in the postseason as he posted a .349 average with six home runs, seven doubles, and 13 RBIs.
The loss of Harper for at least the first half of the 2023 season is a monumental blow for the Phillies, as he is a crucial player on their roster.
Texas Rangers Hoping to Sign Starting Pitcher Carlos Rodon
The Texas Rangers need to address their starting rotation issues this offseason and are looking to add a premium arm to anchor their staff.
Among several teams, they have shown interest in left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
#Rangers among the most serious suitors for free agent Carlos Rodon, as we discussed earlier today on #MLBNHotStove. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 23, 2022
Rodon is coming off a superb 2022 campaign with the San Francisco Giants as he authored a 2.88 ERA in 178 innings pitched (31 starts) with 237 strikeouts, 52 walks surrendered, 12 home runs allowed, a 140 ERA+, 1.02 WHIP, and led the National League with a 2.25 FIP.
The Rangers’ starting pitching was a problem for the club last year, as they ranked at the bottom of the league in ERA and fWAR.
During the offseason, the Rangers have also been linked to former Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom.
If the Rangers can sign either Rodon or deGrom to lead their starting rotation, it would be a step in the right direction.
They are in a competitive American League West division with two impressive clubs, the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros, who won the World Series.
The Rangers will need strong starting pitching to contend in the division.
San Diego Padres Looking to Add Shortstop, Xander Bogaerts A Possibility
There is another team that has targeted shortstop Xander Bogaerts in free agency.
The San Diego Padres are looking to add a shortstop in the offseason, and they are focused on Bogaerts, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
The Padres could shift infielder Ha-Seong Kim into a super-utility role and move Fernando Tatis Jr. to the outfield, says Heyman.
Tatis did not play last season for the Padres due to a wrist injury and Performance-enhancing drug suspension.
Bogaerts had an impressive 2022 season with the Boston Red Sox.
He posted a .307 average and .833 OPS in 150 games with 84 runs scored, 171 hits, 38 doubles, 15 home runs, 73 RBIs, and eight stolen bases.
Bogaerts would be a significant addition to the Padres if they can sign him to a long-term deal.
Author Profile
- Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.
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