Freddy Galvis injury leaves hole at second base
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Freddy Galvis injury leaves hole at second base
Matt Gelb
Freddy Galvis had dressed and left Citizens Bank Park before reporters entered the Phillies clubhouse with a back injury serious enough to not even require a day of testing or rest before making a roster move.
He is disabled for at least 15 days with what is currently termed as "lower back soreness," but the extent of the injury is unknown. The rookie hurt himself on a swing in the fifth inning. He attempted to stay in the game, and even fouled off two more pitches, before removing himself.
The frustration was evident when he tossed his bat down the dugout tunnel.
"That's the first I heard of it," Charlie Manuel said after a 6-5 loss to Los Angeles. "It just happened. I don't know where it happened, but it happened."
What sort of blow is it?
"It's another one of our guys going down," Manuel said. "What more can I say?"
Without Galvis, Mike Fontenot likely becomes the starting second baseman. He was released before the start of the season by San Francisco and signed to a minor-league deal by the Phillies.
Fontenot is hitting .360 with one extra-base hit in 25 at-bats this season.
Obviously, the Phillies will miss Galvis' defense. He made another spectacular running catch in short right field Wednesday. But he's made almost all of the routine plays, and many more that aren't.
There will be a corresponding roster move made Thursday morning. Expect either Pete Orr or Michael Martinez to be recalled. Orr was demoted Wednesday but can return because he would be replacing a DLed player.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
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Martinez is a better option than Orr. He's a better defensive player, can play SS and the OF. Plus he's a SH. He's better than a .200 hitter. Over the last few years he has hit around .300 in the minors and in the Dominican Winter League. He was hitting .389 in 20 PA since being reactivated, including 2 hits in 3 AB last night. As for Thome, what else can I say? He's a waste of roster space. I would rather see Brown. Like some of you already said, he can be the DH, pinch hitter, pinch runner and can also play the OF. But, Thome is Charlie's older son on the team.— EL Zorro- Obviously, wins are hard to come by. Phils finally have a lead. Game was on the line in the sixth. Let's see, Valdes or Bastardo? Who would be best to get the final out and leave the Phils with a lead for a change. Let's see. A career minor leaguer or a young lefty stud?— butchcat
- We will miss Galvis' thunderous .220 bat.— eman
- Yea most fans will miss Freddie and his thunderous bat for good reason. He is what rookies are all about, The hustle, the heart and the process of learning. He has become a fan favorite for those reasons no to mention some of the amazing plays he has made. Although you won't miss him the fans that yell Freddie Freddie every time he comes to bat or makes a great play will miss him because they see a kid that has a future— pattymac3
- The rat glued to the top of "Wheels" head believes they should move Wigginton to third, Kratz to first, Rollins at short and Fontenot to second. Toss Thome's stuff onto the curb in Allentown and recall Orr for when needed. So says the rat glued to the top of "Wheels" head, so shall it be.— kelprod2
- The hole, however, is not as big as the one in the silly, old fool manager's head.— Wilhelm Von Humboldt
- the "silly old fool" has a World Series ring and has more wins than any manager in team history. He forgot more baseball than the collective know it alls who criticize him.— tommazza
- Quixote, prevention by the training staff? How the hell do you prevent a back injury like that with a 22-year-old player? You can do it getting out of bed in the morning you dope.— seaonasdad
- Galvis in nothing but a no hit, good glove infielder; he's easily replaced. Actually, Fontenot should be a step up.— JBinPA
- You would think they would bring up an infielder, this would also give them a pinchhitting option. Cloyd pitched another good game last night at Lehigh. Cloyd gave up 3 hits 1 BB 7 Ks 1 run in 8 ing. win. If Blanton pitches poorly again they may consider Cloyd particularly if Utley can return in next 10-14 days. Phinneas your just susposed to ignore these negative comments.— Don w
- Defensive players like Galvis come once in a generation. His anticipations of plays, his reactions, making tough plays look simple, making reads that most players dream about, his ability to know where to be on the field, you can’t teach that. He always seems to know where to be and where to throw the ball. And as a hitter he has shown to be a clutch player at a young age. Yet, there are people on this board, who never played serious baseball in their lives who nickpick his low BA. I know for sure, that having a player like Galvis on your team it’s a good feeling for the whole team. More important, pitchers appreciate that kind of player. Galvis is the new Carlos Ruiz, who btw, was a weak hitting catcher. He was not even close to being the defensive player Galvis is at the same age. As a matter of fact, at age 22 Chooch was playing Class –A, hit .213 with 592 OPS at age 23 in Clearwater and didn’t get to the majors until he was 27. At age 21, Galvis was hitting .298 in AAA. He is leading the team in doubles, has as many RBI as Rollins and Polanco combined and is only a handful of players on this team worthy of the price of admission, Just appreciate what you are witnessing in this kid and restraint yourself for making ridiculous comments.— EL Zorro
- I am ready to see Fotenot play a few days in a row. He has done well everytime he has been called upon and the Phils could use a better with 100 extra points for a foot or so of range at 2B.
And please just give Dom Brown a month straight of opportunities. What else do we have to lose? His D has to be close to Pierre's, his bat has power and he sees a lot of pitches. The position players need a shakeup like the bullpen received.— Clt Philly Fan - yea we're going to miss the 221 hitter in the line up. Great defense but not ready for prime time— Ssteve115
I love it when guys post that the Phillies should fire Amaro. LOL. Who's gonna fire him? They all sit around and make decisions together. Ruben, Pat (still here), Monty, and even Wade. The park is full, the team will adjust. And life goes on. The only way Amaro leaves Philly is for more money elsewhere.— zubzub
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