There wasn't much in the way of inspiring storylines during the 2015 Texas Rangers season that could've challenged what Matt Harrison did.
Harrison returned from an unprecedented lumbar fusion procedure to pitch in the big leagues again for the Rangers before being dealt to the Phillies in the Cole Hamels deal and immediately placed on the disabled list, where he spent the remainder of the season.
Now, it appears Harrison could very well spend the entire 2016 season on the DL and possibly beyond that, as well, after the veteran lefty didn't report to spring training with Phillies pitchers and catchers on Wednesday.
According to the Dallas Morning News, Phillies GM Matt Klentak told reporters in Florida that Harrison was excused from reporting and indicated he would likely spend the season on the 60-day disabled list. If Harrison is on the DL, the Phillies can recoup some of his salary through an insurance policy they wouldn't be able to collect on if he were released.
The 30-year-old Harrison has made just nine starts in the last three seasons since signing a $55 million deal with the Rangers following his great 2012 season. The Rnagers picked up the remaining $32 million on Harrison's deal with the trade last July. He went 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA in 16 innings of work over three starts last year before the trade to the Phillies.
