Phillies Activate Shortstop J.P. Crawford from the Disabled List

The Phillies got a much-needed boost to their offense on Wednesday afternoon.   Shortstop J.P. Crawford, on the disabled list since April 29, was activated in time for Wednesday night's match-up against the Cubs in Chicago.  The move sends third baseman Mitch Walding back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Crawford was likely activated a little sooner than the Phillies would have otherwise liked.  Crawford batted .200 over 20 at bats in five rehab games at Class-A Advanced Clearwater before spending just one game at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.  After a hit and a walk Tuesday evening, Crawford was sent to re-join the Phillies on the road instead of waiting until the Phillies returned home on Friday.

Walding had a rough start in the major leagues.  Walding batted six times over three games.  In every plate appearance, Walding struck out.

The Phillies still have infielder Jesmuel Valentin and outfielder Dylan Cozens on their major league roster, occupying the spots of currently-disabled Pedro Florimon and Rhys Hoskins.

The Phillies now have much more flexibility with utility player Scott Kingery, who will be free to see time at third base, shortstop, and the outfield, with Florimon and Hoskins out.  Kingery could especially serve as a right-handed bat at either shortstop or left field against tough left-handed pitching.

In an unrelated move, pitcher Drew Hutchison cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.