The Philadelphia Phillies have enjoyed a relatively healthy spring training so far, but two new injuries reported this week have added a few complications as Opening Day approaches.
Max Lazar made one appearance for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, retiring both hitters he faced. | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Right-handed reliever Max Lazar and minor-league first baseman Keaton Anthony are both dealing with injuries, manager Rob Thomson confirmed after the Phillies’ recent game against the New York Yankees.
Lazar dealing with oblique issue
Lazar is currently dealing with an injury in his oblique/abdominal area, which could temporarily halt his progress in camp.
The 26-year-old reliever had just finished representing Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, where he made a brief but effective appearance. Lazar retired both hitters he faced — both left-handed batters — before Israel was eliminated from the tournament.
He was expected to return to Phillies camp in Clearwater shortly afterward.
Lazar has been competing in a crowded battle for two open bullpen spots. He also holds a small experience advantage over most of the candidates after appearing in 47 games over the past two seasons for Philadelphia.
However, even before the injury, the bullpen race remained extremely tight.
Other relievers competing for the final roster spot include:
- Zach Pop (out of minor league options)
- Zach McCambley (Rule 5 pick)
- Chase Shugart
- Seth Johnson
- Nolan Hoffman
- Lou Trivino
- Trevor Richards
Because of the depth in the bullpen competition, the Phillies are expected to take a cautious approach with Lazar’s recovery, especially since there is no urgent need to rush him back before the season begins.
Prospect Keaton Anthony suffers broken foot
The second injury involves Keaton Anthony, the Phillies’ No. 30 prospect according to MLB Pipeline.
Anthony broke a bone in his right foot after fouling a ball off it, and he is expected to undergo surgery later this week.
The injury will cause him to miss time during the early portion of the minor-league season.
Anthony had been projected to start the year with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but the injury will delay those plans.
The 24-year-old struggled in a small spring sample this year, going 0-for-16, but his overall track record in the minors remains strong.
Last season he hit:
- .330 at Double-A
- .313 at Triple-A
Across 199 career minor-league games, Anthony owns an impressive .324 batting average, though he has shown limited power.
Opportunity for another prospect
With Anthony sidelined, the injury could create more opportunities early in the season for Felix Reyes, a right-handed corner infielder/outfielder in the Phillies’ system.
Reyes had a standout 2025 season at Double-A Reading, where he:
- Hit .335
- Won the Eastern League batting title
- Was named league MVP
He has also performed well in major-league camp this spring, going 6-for-19 (.316) with a double, home run, and six RBIs.
Phillies mostly healthy otherwise
Outside of the two new injuries, the Phillies have largely avoided major health issues this spring.
- Zack Wheeler is progressing well in his recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and has already thrown several bullpen sessions.
- Brandon Marsh returned after missing about a week with hand inflammation.
- Orion Kerkering has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, though he may return to game action soon.
With less than two weeks until the regular season begins, Philadelphia will hope Lazar’s injury proves minor and that Anthony can recover smoothly following surgery.
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