The Philadelphia Phillies announced Tuesday they have reinstated infielder Edmundo Sosa ahead of their battle with the Milwaukee Brewers. Sosa is in the starting lineup and will bat eighth against Brewers starting pitcher Frankie Montas.
Sosa, who was on the 10-day injured list, recently completed a rehab assignment in Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He was out of action briefly, having landed on the IL on Sept. 6 with back spasms.
In a corresponding move, the Phillies optioned infielder Buddy Kennedy to Lehigh Valley following Monday night’s loss to Milwaukee.
The 28-year-old infielder was having a solid season for the Phillies. He played in 83 games this season, hitting .264 with a .319 on-base percentage to go along with seven home runs and seven steals. But his presence will more likely be felt in the field, not at the dish.
Sosa has played 46 games at shortstop, 21 at third base and 17 at second base, providing the sought-after versatility teams look for as they enter the postseason. Despite playing all over the infield, Sosa has committed only five errors this season, making the play more than 98 percent of the time. He has also helped turn 34 double plays this season.
Considering the struggles of the Phillies starting rotation, defensive help will be welcomed.
This move may not be heralded by most fans, but any manager would be thrilled to add this level of defensive prowess to go with a minor power/speed combo at the plate.
Expectations around the Phillies was already high. Their chances likely just got better for postseason success.
With only a couple of weeks remaining in the regular season, the Phillies hold an eight-game lead in the National League East. More importantly, they are one game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers for home-field advantage with the Brewers three games back.
More MLB: Phillies expected to be among teams bidding for $500 million superstar, insider says