The Philadelphia Phillies have revealed a notable injury update with Opening Day in sight.
The Philadelphia Phillies are inching closer and closer toward Opening Day, and while their roster is very similar to last year's, there is one potential X-factor lurking in the minor leagues who could change things for the Phillies.
Aidan Miller.
One of the top prospects in all of baseball, Miller is expected by many to make an impact for Philadelphia this season, but he needs to be healthy to do so.
The 21-year-old has been held out of Grapefruit League action due to a back injury, and the Phillies are taking things very slow with their young infielder.
Team president Dave Dombrowski provided an update on Miller this week, noting that the Dunedin, Fl. native has made progress.
“As of (Friday), he felt no pain,” Dombrowski said, via Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic. “So, we will continue to increase his activities, which he’s felt good with so far. So, we’ll continue to do that and get him back on the playing field. But we’re going to be very careful. Any time you’re dealing with back issues, you’ve got to be careful.”
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Aidan Miller. Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images.Miller has played shortstop in the minor leagues, but due to Trea Turner's presence, Miller is expected to ultimately take over at third base.
Alec Bohm is slated to hit free agency next offseason, and just about everyone is operating under the assumption that this is his last year in Philly. In fact, some feel that the Phillies could potentially move Bohm by the trade deadline.
Miller slashed .264/.392/.433 with 14 home runs and 42 RBI over 526 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A last season, with the bulk of his production (489 plate appearances) coming at the former.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound slugger was selected by Philadelphia with the 27th overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft and got off to a fast start in the minors, slashing .261/.366/.446 with 11 homers and 60 RBI during his first full season in the Phillies' system.
It should also be noted that Miller possesses tremendous speed, stealing 23 bases in 2024 and then swiping 59 bags last season.
Hopefully, the youngster can get back to 100 percent soon. We may be seeing him hit the big leagues at some point in 2026.
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