Aaron Altherr, out since spring training with a left wrist injury that required surgery, could be back in the Phillies’ outfield sometime in August.
Altherr is taking live batting practice in Clearwater and "should be ready for a formal (minor-league) rehab assignment sometime in the next week or so,” general manager Matt Klentak said on Tuesday.
Altherr, 25, was projected to open the season as the Phillies’ starting right fielder. Those plans changed when he tore a tendon sheath in his left wrist while diving for a ball early in the exhibition season.
Phillies officials were eager to look at Altherr after he had an .827 OPS in 39 games with the club last season. He hit just .241 but had 20 extra-base hits, including five homers.
The Phillies have recently been using an outfield of Odubel Herrera in center, Pete Bourjos in right and Cody Asche in left. That unit has been producing over the last few weeks.
Altherr would need about a month of rehab time – about the length of a spring-training schedule. He could be one of a couple of new faces to get a look in the Phillies' outfield as the second half of the season unfolds. Triple A prospect Nick Williams could also get a look.
