In spring training, there are always players who surprise the organization.
David Dahl may just fit into this category for the Philadelphia Phillies.
A non-roster invitee, Dahl has shown glimpses of his talent to warrant earning one of he final bench spots.
The left-handed hitter, who previously played for the Colorado Rockies, has proved his mettle with a smooth and powerful stroke. It's easy to see why the Phillies brought him to Clearwater, Fla.
Dahl has been hampered in the past by a shoulder injury.
He looks healthy now.
"It just took a long time to get right," Dahl told Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia. "I think probably like 2022 is when it finally started feeling better. I've played well at Triple A, it's just about getting the opportunity and taking advantage when you get it."
Dahl slashed .297/.346/.521 from 2016-19 with the Rockies and earned an All-Star berth in '19, when he hit .302 with a career-high .877 OPS in 413 plate appearances.
Nothing is guaranteed and Dahl is very well aware of that bitter reality.
All he can do is continue to put the work in.
"This is my 12th spring training so I'm used to it, especially these last couple of years trying to battle for a job," he told Seidman. "I think the biggest thing is trying to have good at-bats and hit balls hard. Whatever the numbers are, the numbers are, but they're watching the quality of the at-bat."
If Dahl doesn’t open on the 26-man active roster, he could help the Phillies at some point this season.
It's a matter of staying ready.
"When I don't start and come into the game, I take it very seriously to show I can come off the bench, too," Dahl said. "I think that's a big thing. Every at-bat's important in spring training for me right now."
That's the right attitude.
Don't be shocked to see Dahl in Citizens Bank Park this season.
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