Phillies Should Absolutely Take a Chance on Tyson Ross

Once considered a future Cy Young candidate, Tyson Ross will be looking for a job, and the Phillies should offer him one

Injuries are a major concern in sports, let alone a starting pitcher with a bad shoulder. Tyson Ross missed essentially all of 2016 with shoulder inflammation, making his only start of the season on opening day.

In October, Ross underwent shoulder surgery for symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. TOS is a nerve issue caused by pressure on blood vessels and nerves inside a persons neck.

Surgery such as this one typically takes 4-6 months to recover from. To return to the mound could take even more time, which is why the Padres opted not to tender Ross a contract at Friday’s deadline.

Ross looked like a rising star back in 2014, earning an All-Star appearance and winning 13 games for a horrendous Padres team. His 2.81 ERA was even more impressive, as were his 195 strikeouts.

The following season Ross surpassed the 200 strikeout, but also led the league in games started and walk.

Signing Ross would be a low-risk high-reward option for any team interested. Matt Klentak needs to explore the all-star’s ability to return to the mound next season and make a call.

At the worst, Ross never throws a pitch and the Phillies eat a couple of million dollars that they have sitting on a lifeless payroll. Best case is he returns in May and looks like his old self once again.

Any deal the Phillies make with Ross would most-likely be a one-year deal with some sort of option attached to it. With questions already surrounding the health of Zach Eflin, Aaron Nola, and Vince Velasquez Philadelphia could use as much pitching depth as possible.