Philadelphia Phillies Dodge a Bullet as Freddy Galvis’s X-rays Come Back Negative


Howard Smith-USA Today Sports

After watching Freddy Galvis go down after getting hit in the hand by Miami Marlins‘ pitcher Jon Rauch, the situation looked bleak for Galvis and the Philadelphia Phillies. The young utility infielder stayed in the game, but was constantly seen flexing the finger that some believed might have been broken.

At the conclusion of the game, Galvis had X-rays done to see if his finger was in fact broken.

They came back negative, which is a huge sigh of relief as the Phillies need Galvis and all that he can provide.

As a utility infielder, Galvis can and has played all of the infield positions with the exception of first base. He is one of the best defenders in the game and as a prospect was considered to have a major league-ready gold glove at shortstop.

Galvis may have wowed with his defense, but his bat was not quite as major-league ready as his glove. Still, he made his debut in 2012, a little earlier than expected, as he transitioned from shortstop to second in order to play for the injured Chase Utley.

His bat seemed to be coming along and he transitioned positions almost seamlessly. And even though he missed most of the season with a suspension and then injury, Galvis proved his value and his importance on this roster.

Out of the 2013 spring training, Galvis beat out Yuniesky Betancourt for the final spot on the team.

So far, Galvis has played in just five games and has collected just nine at-bats. His first start came in the final game of the Miami series as he stepped in so that Jimmy Rollins could get a day off. In the game, Galvis was 2-of-3 with a walk.

Galvis seems to be taking a better approach at the plate, but more important than his progressing bat is the value he has as a more than serviceable backup.

There is a great deal of relief for Charlie Manuel as with Galvis on the team, he knows that he can rest Rollins or Utley when needed. He also knows that there won’t be any drop off on defense and that there won’t be too much of an offensive drop off either.

The moral of the story: Galvis’ X-rays came back negative, his hand isn’t broken and that is the best news the Phillies could ask for as they are about to enter a tough stretch of games that will undoubtedly see Galvis get some playing time.

Follow Marilee on Twitter, @MGallagher17 and on Google+

 

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