Pitching prospects Morgan and Watson reportedly out till August

Two of the Phillies’ top pitching prospects are likely out of action until August according to reports.  Right-hander Shane Watson, who spoke with me exclusively last month about his upcoming procedure, is slated to go under the knife in the coming days, while left-hander Adam Morgan underwent surgery to repair his recurring shoulder issues this week.

Watson, the Phillies’ first round draft selection in 2012, is currently in Los Angeles, where he will have surgery to repair an enlarged capsule in his throwing shoulder. The 20-year-old posted a 4-6 record along with a 4.75 ERA and a .230 batting average against in 16 starts at Class A Lakewood last season.

Morgan missed considerable time last season with a shoulder strain, but returned to close out the season in a strong fashion, tallying a 1.59 ERA in his first seven Triple-A starts off the disabled  list before allowing four earned runs in 1 1/3 innings in his final outing of the season.

Although he bounced back and looked great to wrap up his 2013 campaign, the Phils’ 3rd round draft pick from 2011 suffered a setback that required surgical repair, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.

Overall, in 16 starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley last season, the University of Alabama product sported a 2-7 record along with a 4.04 ERA while 49 strike outs and walking 26 in 71 1/3 innings.   The 23-year-old had worked out what he told me, late in the season,

were some mechanical hitches that he felt were preventing him from staying healthy.

Watson had also returned the mound before action wrapped up last season, as he was back to 100% after rehabbing for some time leading into the Phillies’ fall instructional league, where he did not compete in game action, but pitched under the supervision of coaches who were pleased with his progress.  After some time off, Watson experienced discomfort in the joint in November and was evaluated by team medical personnel that decided surgery was necessary.

Morgan was rated as the Phillies’ number two prospect heading into last season and likely would have been a candidate to join the Phils’ starting rotation at some point last year, if the injury had not occurred.  Watson was ranked 17th in the organization on that same Phillies Nation prospect list.  Follow this year’s rankings here.