The Philadelphia Phillies were handed difficult injury news following the revelation that prospect Keaton Anthony, who was pushing for an Opening Day roster spot, has suffered a major injury.
The first baseman broke his foot in a Spring Training game on Monday, March 9, reports Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Anthony is set for surgery later this week, per manager Rob Thomson. It’s a crushing turn of events for the 24-year-old. Anthony had made such an impression on the team that they were trying him in the outfield in an effort to find room for him on the roster.
The injury all but assures that Anthony will be back in the minors once he’s healthy. He’s the No. 16 prospect in the Phillies’ system, according to FanGraphs.
Philadelphia Phillies Injury News Update: Keaton Anthony Breaks Foot, Heading for Surgery
The Phillies are expected to have an opening on the roster with outfielder Johan Rojas facing an 80-game PED suspension. Free agent acquisition Adolis Garcia is penciled in for right field, with Brandon Marsh handling left field. Top prospect Justin Crawford is expected to land the starting center fielder gig. Given that Marsh and Crawford are both left-handed, the righty-swinging Rojas was set for a platoon role. He’s limited with the bat, but is a capable defender in center field.
Anthony was hitless so far in Spring Training before going down with the foot injury, but the fact that he was getting reps in the outfield suggested the Phillies were giving serious consideration to having him on the big-league roster. The prospect has never played the outfield at the professional level. Anthony did pick up some appearances on the grass in college at the University of Iowa.
With Anthony likely out of the mix for the right-handed bench outfielder role, the Phillies will turn their attention to a group of veteran utility players. Otto Kemp and Edmundo Sosa have primarily been infielders in the big leagues, but could see time in left field when Marsh or Crawford sit. Dylan Moore is the leading option for the final 26-man roster spot, though Garrett Stubbs is making an intriguing case.
When Will Keaton Anthony Reach the Big Leagues After Latest Injury News?
Anthony has hit at every level of the minor leagues since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He delivered a .327 batting average in his first full professional season, which was divided between Single-A, High-A, and Double-A. Anthony opened the 2025 campaign with a 153 wRC+ in 49 games. He continued to produce after a promotion to Triple-A, slashing .313/.374/.433 across 33 games with Lehigh Valley.
The main impediment to Anthony in the big leagues is incumbent first baseman Bryce Harper. The Phillies inked the two-time MVP to a massive 13-year, $330 million contract back in 2019. Barring a trade, Harper will be with the club through the 2031 campaign. The DH spot is also clogged after Kyle Schwarber re-upped on a five-year, $150 million agreement. The outfield provides a more viable path to playing time. Garcia is on a one-year pact. Marsh will be a free agent after next season.
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