Phillies prospect Dante Nori’s shoulder feeling ‘best it’s ever felt’ after injury

READING, Pa. — In Italy’s opener of the World Baseball Classic back in March, Phillies prospect Dante Nori hurt his shoulder on a sliding attempt in the outfield against Great Britain. Losing the ball for a second in the lights, he ducked his head and accidentally put too much force on his arm as his hit the turf. It left “a big bone bruise” and some lingering pain.

But after a hiatus from throwing and a subsequent throwing program, the 21-year-old’s left shoulder feels as good as new with Double-A Reading.

“Right now,” Nori said last week at FirstEnergy Stadium, “it’s probably the best it’s ever felt in my life, to be honest.”

The recovery plan of rest, injections and building his arm back up has paid dividends for Nori. He began the season at Reading solely as a designated hitter in the leadoff spot. But in the Fightins’ most recent series against New Hampshire, the 2024 first-round draft pick started to play the field once again. Out of five games, he played three in center and spent the other two at DH. He should be back in center field just about every day in another week or two, as long as he continues to progress as expected.

Despite his defensive restrictions so far, Nori’s ability with the bat hasn’t been hindered. He’s batting .308 with two home runs, three doubles and three triples with an .851 OPS in 18 games. Always regarded as a plus contact hitter, the left-handed batter leads Reading with 24 hits, and his extra-base production has been encouraging. It’s been a solid first few weeks for a young prospect playing his first full year in Double-A after getting a five-game taste of the Eastern League at the end of last season.

“I’ve felt really good at the plate,” Nori said. “Here and there, I’m still getting used to things, especially the cold weather. I haven’t been in the cold weather since high school, so just getting used to that. But overall, feeling good.”

There are still some areas where Nori could improve. After posting a 13% walk rate in the minor leagues last season, he’s drawn just four walks in 85 plate appearances compared to 15 strikeouts in 2026. The speedy Nori stole 52 bases last year and was thrown out only 10 times; he’s been caught five times in 12 steal attempts already this season.

But there’s no doubt that Nori’s offensive showing has been incredibly positive. While rookies Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford are up in Philadelphia now, the Phillies have not always been able to produce homegrown regulars from their farm system to complement their expensive veteran core. If he could become one — or a valuable potential trade chip in a deal for a different piece — it could be a boost to the club down the line.

In the meantime, Nori will have his chance to continue developing in the upper levels of the minors in Reading. He’s already impressing those around him.

“This is a kid that’s definitely got a lot of potential to be a good major-league player,” Fightins manager Al Pedrique said. “Obviously, the time will tell. We’re going to be patient with him, but I like the way he goes about his business.”