December 24, 2013, 4:00 p.m.
@avdbkr20samuel
Ryan Madson could be in a Phillies' uniform by the start of Spring Training according to a report from Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.
The 33-year old reliever, who hasn't pitched for any team since October 7, 2011 when he was the closer for the Phillies, is currently holding private workout sessions with several teams to prove that he can still pitch at the Major League level after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Madson required Tommy John surgery after tearing an elbow ligament in Spring Training of 2012, when he had signed a one-year deal with the Reds.
The surgery seemingly went well, but it forced him to miss the rest of that season, prompting him to try another one-year contract with the Angels. Madson had some setbacks in his recovery, however, forcing him to miss the entire 2013 season as well.
Madson's recent injuries could discourage many teams from signing him since they could be unsure of his health going forward. A team that might disregard this and take a chance on him are the Phillies.
Prior to suffering any major injuries, Madson thrived with the Phillies. From 2007-2011, he compiled great numbers as a reliever, posting a 2.89 ERA while accumulating 49 saves along the way in the bullpen.
The Phillies are trying to figure out their closer and set-up man situation going forward. Madson could add a nice piece to their puzzle by re-earning his spot in a shaky bullpen, which could use him as a potential set-up man, or possibly, even the closer.
With all of the chances teams have already given him, it seems that offering him a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training makes the most sense at this point.
