Phillies Prospect Matt Imhof Posts Positive Instagram Message After Losing Eye

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- 22-year-old Phillies prospect Matt Imhof's career is in jeopardy.

In a freak accident while training in the Class A Florida State League last week, Imhof suffered a serious eye injury.

Imhof, a 6'5" left-handed pitcher and 2014 second-round pick in the MLB's first-year player, draft posted a heartfelt and positive message on Instagram announcing his decision to have his right eye removed. He announced he had the surgery on Tuesday.

"This decision was not an easy one to make but to me it seemed like the right one so on Tuesday afternoon I went forward with the surgery," Imhof wrote. "I'm currently still in Miami recovering from surgery but I'm doing well. This has been the hardest week of my life but I've had amazing support from my family and friends to help me get through it."

"I'm lucky to still have vision in my left eye…I'm lucky that i didn't have brain damage…and I'm lucky to be surrounded my the most loving and understanding people in the world," he wrote. "I just wanted to write this message to let everyone know that even though I suffered some bad luck, I'm not dead. I'm gonna be alright, I'm gonna persevere, and I'm gonna succeed. It takes more than this to bring me down. Again thanks to everyone for the support."