Phillies issue statement on the Ben Wetzler situation, say very little - MLB

The Phillies broke their silence today on Oregon State left-hander Ben Wetzler, but if you were hoping for anything particularly interesting, you are probably going to be disappointed.

“The Phillies did participate in the NCAA investigation and a ruling has been issued. We believe it is inappropriate to comment further on either the negotiation with the player or the action taken by the NCAA.”

Thanks for managing to release a statement that says absolutely nothing beyond the obvious, Phillies. Well done.

Wetzler was suspended yesterday for 20 percent of the season — 11 games — for inappropriate contact with an agent, which is forbidden by the NCAA despite most draft prospects doing it anyway. The Phillies reportedly turned in Wetzler for his actions after they drafted him in the fifth round last June and were unable to work out a deal. Wetzler will be eligible to return to return to the field on March 3, so the suspension is a slap on the wrist for the player in the end, but this incident could still do real damage to the Phillies’ reputation in the industry.

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CLEARWATER, Fla. — Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins needs surgery for a torn ACL after injuring his left knee Thursday fielding a grounder in a spring training game and is expected to miss a significant amount of time.

The Phillies did not say when Hoskins would have the surgery or exactly how long the slugging first baseman might be sidelined.

Hoskins hit 30 homers with 79 RBIs last season for the reigning National League champions.

He was backing up to play a chopper on Thursday when the ball popped out of his glove. Sooner after, he fell to the ground and began clutching his left knee. Teammates gathered around him before he was taken off of the field.

Hoskins, a free agent at the end of the season who turned 30 last week, hit six homers in Philadelphia’s playoff run last season. The Phillies lost to the Houston Astros in the World Series.

The injury was another blow for the Phillies, who will be without top pitching prospect Andrew Painter for another few weeks because of a sprained ligament in his right elbow. And slugger Bryce Harper isn’t expected back until around the All-Star break after undergoing Tommy John surgery in November.