Quick Hits: Dave Dombrowski speaks on Andrew Painter, Rhys Hoskins, and the 2023 Phillies on 94.1 WIP
Dave Dombrowski joined Joe DeCamara, Jon Ritchie, and James Seltzer this morning on the 94.1 WIP Midday Show and talked all things Phillies, including Andrew Painter, Rhys Hoskins’ future, and the 2023 Phillies.
Listen to the Full Interview Here with Dave Dombrowski
Phillies Designated Hitter Role without Bryce Harper
The Phillies have plenty of options to fill their DH vacancy until Bryce Harper returns after the first few months of the season.
Dombrowski mentioned Alec Bohm, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, and Rhys Hoskins as guys that can fill that role until Harper comes back. I would also add JT Realmuto to the list to give the Best Catcher in Baseball a few extra games off his knees this season, while sliding Garrett Stubbs behind the plate.
Bryce Harper Injury Update
Dave Dombrowski confirmed that the timetable for Bryce Harper remains the same.
Dombrowski stated that Harper’s rehab has gone as planned over the first two months since having surgery. He’s still expected to start swinging a bat around the end of March, and could be back in the lineup right around the All Star game if there are no setbacks. As for returning to Right Field, Dombrowski still considers that to be “up in the air” but they did believe that Harper will return to the outfield before the end of the 2023 season.
Andrew Painter
The best pitching prospect in all of baseball is coming.
Dave Dombrowski’s most interesting segment of his interview came when asked about #1 prospect Andrew Painter, who was just recently voted as the best pitching prospect in all of baseball.
Dombrowski believes that Painter has a realistic shot to make the Opening Day roster, but he’s not a big percentages guy. He stated that Painter’s talent is something he’s never seen before, and he can’t wait til he’s throwing at Citizens Bank Park.
Rhys Hoskins’ Future
The Phillies and Rhys Hoskins agreed on a 1-year, $12M contract for the 2023 season, avoiding arbitration for the third year in a row. Hoskins will hit the free-agent market after this season unless the Phillies offer him a contract extension before that time comes.
Dave Dombrowski said Hoskins is a huge part of this team and really provides an offensive spark in the lineup. He doesn’t like to say anything in life is definite but mentioned the team would love to lock in Hoskins for the future.
Read more: Rhys Hoskins cracks MLB Network’s Top 10 First Basemen List >>
Nick Castellanos Bounce back Season
“Last year wasn’t a good year for Nick. He’s one of the best hitters in baseball. He’s a much better hitter than he showed last year. We have a good team with the capabilities of being a great team. Nick bouncing back and being a part of that, along with the young guys, that makes the difference between good and great.”
Friendly reminder that Nick Castellanos hit .300 before getting hit in the wrist on May 5th. The bounce back season is coming.
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