Phillies P Matt Harrison may not pitch this season

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Matt Harrison has been excused from spring training after recently seeing a back specialist and may not pitch at all this season.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Matt Harrison has been excused from spring training after recently seeing a back specialist and may not pitch at all this season, Phillies general manger Matt Klentak said on Wednesday.

“The truth is we are not expecting him to be here anytime soon, if at all, this year,” Klentak said via the Philadelphia Inquirer. "If things go well, we'll be happy to get him back. But the reality is we're in a wait-and-see mode.”

The Phillies acquired Harrison on July 30 in the trade that sent Cole Hamels to the Texas Rangers. The 32-year-old lefthander is the highest paid pitcher on Philadelphia’s roster, owed $13.2 million this season, but there is an insurance policy on his contract that keeps the team on the hook for just 25% of his salary if he does not play.

• Adrian Beltre’s agent hopeful he will sign extension with Rangers

Harrison has made only nine starts the last three seasons while dealing with injuries. He had spinal fusion surgery in June 2014.

Over his career, Harrison has posted a 135–103 record as a starter with a 4.21 ERA.