CLEARWATER, Fla. - Tyler Goeddel reported last month to spring training with a roster spot almost virtually secured.
The Phillies acquired him in December with the first pick in the Rule 5 Draft. The team expected to have the luxury of stashing Goeddel - who never played past double A - as a fourth outfielder on their 25-man roster. And then their plans changed.
Aaron Altherr's wrist surgery on Wednesday will likely thrust Goeddel into a starting role. Goeddel, 23, transitioned last season to the outfield after spending his first three professional seasons as an infielder. He has played mostly right field this spring, the position vacated by Altherr.