Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies announced updates on several injured players Friday, including first baseman Ryan Howard and pitcher Cole Hamels.
Howard, who ruptured his left Achilles tendon on the Phillies' last at-bat of the postseason, had stitches removed on Tuesday and began his rehabilitation program in Philadelphia, progressing to partial weight bearing.
Hamels had his stitches removed on Thursday from surgery to remove loose bodies in his pitching arm. The lefty also had a follow-up exam for his hernia surgery and has been cleared to progress back to his regular offseason program.
Third baseman Placido Polanco and outfielder Hunter Pence are each recovering from surgeries to correct sports hernias and are continuing their rehabilitation programs. Polanco is rehabbing in Miami, while Pence is recovering in Philadelphia.
Right-handed pitcher Jose Contreras is recovering from a right forearm strain and will begin isometric forearm strengthening next week. He is on track to progress to regular strengthening in the beginning of December and initiate throwing at the beginning of January.
Ross Gload, who was mainly used a pinch hitter for the Phillies, was evaluated by Dr. Bryan Kelly in New York on October 18 for an issue with his hip, but it was determined an arthroscopic procedure was not needed at this time. The 10- year veteran was set up with an offseason rehabilitation program.
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