Phillies Injury Updates: Tommy Joseph, Ethan Martin

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WASHINGTON — Phillies catching prospect Tommy Joseph won't be returning from his latest concussion any time soon.

Joseph, sidelined indefinitely, will be doing vestibular physical therapy to rehab the concussion suffered earlier this month, the Phillies disclosed Sunday. Vestibular rehab is known to help with balance difficulties, motion sensitivity, focus and dizziness.

The 23-year-old catcher, who arrived from the Giants' system with so much promise in 2012, suffered another concussion on May 11 after being hit in the jaw by a foul tip. It is the third straight season he has dealt with concussion-related issues.

Joseph's career in the Phillies' farm system has been plagued by injuries. He played in just 27 games a season ago and 36 in 2013. This season, he was off to a rough start, hitting .123 with no homers, one walk and 20 strikeouts in 20 games at Triple A Lehigh Valley.

Joseph told reporters earlier this month that despite the concussion history, he is not worried about remaining behind the plate. The Phillies don't have much depth behind the plate organizationally, which is why you've heard so many catching prospects across baseball speculated as potential fits in a Cole Hamels trade.

Martin on the mend?
Right-handed pitcher Ethan Martin, out since April 8 with right shoulder inflammation, is scheduled to pitch live batting practice on Monday. He could begin some extended spring training games on May 30 if all goes well.

Martin has not pitched at all in 2015. He pitched with the Phillies some in spring training but was optioned to minor-league camp on March 16.

Like Joseph — who was obtained from the Giants for Hunter Pence — Martin was acquired by the Phillies at the 2012 trade deadline. Martin was the return in the trade that sent Shane Victorino to the Dodgers.

The 25-year-old former first-round pick made 15 appearances (eight starts) for the Phillies in 2013, going 2-5 with a 6.08 ERA. He made two relief appearances last season. All told, he has a 5.93 ERA in 44 major-league innings with 51 strikeouts and 29 walks.

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