Phillies Add Reinforcements Ahead of Mets Finale

Since injury hit Phillies relievers David Robertson and Tommy Hunter, the last couple Phillies bullpen spots have been a rotating turnstile.   Meanwhile, the offense has been what Phillies starter Jake Arrieta called "flat".  The Phillies made some moves to address both.

The Phillies announced the following roster moves:

• Pitcher Drew Anderson was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley
• Infielder Mitch Walding was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley
• The Phillies purchased the contract of utility player Sean Rodriguez
• The contract of reliever James Pazos was designated for assignment
• Pitcher Enyel De Los Santos was recalled

Designating Pazos was necessary to open a 40-man roster spot for Rodriguez.

De Los Santos gives the Phillies a long-man in the bullpen.  Anderson held that role, but was used for four innings last night in which he allowed five runs.  The move gives the Phillies a fully-rested bullpen for Wednesday night's game against the Mets since Anderson was the only player used.

Rodriguez was signed to a minor league contract this offseason.  After an injury kept him out of much of the early Grapefruit League action, Rodriguez struggled a bit at the plate.  As of his recall, he was batting .267 at Triple-A, with four home runs, two doubles, a triple and 12 runs batted in. The Phillies could use an offensive boost should the numbers translate to the majors.

Rodriguez is coming off a two-year, $11.5 million contract he signed with the Atlanta Braves prior to the 2017 season.  That offseason Rodriguez was driving with his family and struck by a stolen police car that ran a red light.  His family all survived, thankfully, but Rodriguez opened 2017 on the disabled list.

While out, Johan Camargo emerged and Rodriguez was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates a week after he was activated in July 2017.  After struggling at the plate with Pittsburgh the rest of 2017 and in 2018, Rodriguez signed a minor league deal with the Phillies.  He reported to Lehigh Valley after failing to make the big club.

Rodriguez can play most infield and outfield positions, and the Phillies will use him Wednesday night at shortstop, hoping to spark their offense, which has scored just two runs in their last three games.