Phillies Activate Segura, Demote Howard

The Phillies have gotten top production out of second baseman Jean Segura this season.  In fact, Segura might be getting All-Star consideration if two injured list stints had not gotten in the way.  The Phillies will get a much needed boost to the top of of the lineup as Segura is activated.

Segura was batting .332 with an OPS of .845 in 187 at bats.  He will immediately take his number two spot in the lineup.  Rhys Hoskins took over the number two spot in the lineup upon Segura's injury.  But in his last 15 games, he has batted just .133 with an OPS of .246.

To make room for Segura on the active roster, the Phillies optioned pitcher Spencer Howard to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The Phillies had already indicated that Matt Moore would make another start this upcoming weekend after pitching five scoreless innings against the Mets.  Howard was unable to complete the third inning in his start on Monday in Cincinnati.

The Phillies will have to really assess Howard's long-term future with the club, as his velocity continually dips after high-energy starts.

Meanwhile, Didi Gregorius and Brandon Kintzler are in Trenton as the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs take on the Buffalo Bisons.  The Bisons are currently displaced by the Toronto Blue Jays and are currently suiting up as the Trenton Thunder for their home games.  Gregorius and Kintzler are nearby and could re-join the Phillies soon.