Catching prospect Tommy Joseph out with concussion again

Lehigh Valley IronPigs backstop Tommy Joseph was placed on the 7-day disabled list on Tuesday, diagnosed with a concussion.

Joseph was removed from Monday’s game after being hit in the mask with a foul tip. In 20 games this season, he was batting .123 with four doubles and six RBI.

The 23-year-old was acquired in 2012 from San Francisco in the deal for Hunter Pence and had played in 63 total games the past two seasons, missing time with multiple concussions and a wrist injury.

This instance marks the sixth stint on the disabled list for the six-foot-one 250-pounder since joining the Phillies organization in July 2012.

In an interview with Phillies Nation for a planned television segment last month, Joseph cited growing displeasure with spending so much time on the shelf.

“I signed up to play everyday and I haven’t been able to do that, so it definitely wears on you over time,” Joseph stated, adding, “I think it would make everybody a little mad if you were only allowed to play, I think I’ve played like 50 or 60 games over the last two years and that’s not what I want.  That’s not what anybody wants.  I think there is a lot of frustration.”

Joseph also shared thoughts about the type of ultimate impact that concussions could have on his career.

“Anytime you have a concussion or any head injury, it’s definitely career threatening no matter what the career is.  And, yeah, it definitely crossed my mind and crossed the staff’s minds as well,” Joseph said.

In other injury news, righty pitcher Shane Watson made his second appearance with the Phillies’ extended spring training team on Tuesday.  The 21-year-old tossed two innings, walking one and striking out one while throwing strictly fastballs for the second straight appearance.  He’ll begin mixing in his change up during his next outing.

Watson, who underwent his second shoulder surgery last year, is slated to make four more starts in the coming weeks, stretching him out and getting him to 100-percent, before he’s eligible to be activated from a 50-game suspension for a positive banned substance test.

The six-foot-four 200-pounder, who was the Phils’ top draft pick in 2012, is expected to join the Class A Lakewood staff next month.