Philadelphia Phillies Pitching Depth is Already Being Severely Tested

The Philadelphia Phillies are digging deep into their pitching depth this spring and that's not necessarily a good sign.

The Philadelphia Phillies’ pitching depth has been severely tested in spring training.

The good news is this: it’s not even mid-March yet.

The bad news: the injuries are piling up.

Andrew Painter, the 19-year-old No. 1 prospect, will be out at least four weeks with a UCL sprain his right elbow.

Ranger Suarez has been recalled from Team Venezuela and the World Baseball Classic with forearm tightness.

Noah Song, the Phillies’ selection in the Rule 5 draft, has been temporarily shut down due to back tightness.

It’s not Opening Day yet so there’s no need to panic.

Every team in Major League Baseball goes through injury issues.

Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler, the top two starters, appear to be on track for the regular season. The back end of the bullpen – Jose Alvarado, Gregory Soto, Craig Kimbrel, Matt Strahm and Seranthony Dominguez – appear healthy.

If manager Rob Thomson needs to utilize the pitching depth, he can call on the likes of Bailey Falter, Michael Plassmeyer, Christopher Sanchez or Nick Nelson.

Painter is young so there’s absolutely no reason to rush him back.

Suarez’s injury looks to be minor.

Song was a longshot to start the season on the 26-man roster. The Phillies can afford extra patience here.

While the injuries are frustrating, it’s part of the game. It happens every season.

And better now than September.

Cautious is an appropriate word.

The Phillies should be thankful they have that depth because they’ll likely need it early in the season.

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