CLEARWATER, Fla. — One of the few jobs up for grabs this spring in Phillies camp is backup center fielder. Edmundo Sosa, the Phillies top utility infielder and perhaps their best bench player, could be a factor.
Rob Thomson said Monday that the Phillies are looking at Sosa as a potential option in the outfield. The idea was brought up to him about a month ago and he was “all in.”
“In fact, the way that he answered the question, it almost seemed like he had already thought about it,” Thomson said.
Thomson made it clear — Sosa is a very good infielder. That’s how they view him, but it’s also possible Sosa could play seven different positions for the Phillies in 2023.
He’s working this spring with Phillies outfield instructor and first base coach Paco Figueroa. He’ll make starts this spring in center field and if he proves he can stick, Sosa could be the Phillies primary right-handed option in center field.
The Phillies’ Plan A is to have Brandon Marsh get the majority of starts in center, but they’re also looking at Sosa as a guy that can spell Marsh and face some of the tougher lefties. Dalton Guthrie is also in the mix for the job.
The Phillies are able to think about Sosa possibly playing the outfield because they’ve signed infielder Josh Harrison to a one-year deal. Both Sosa and Harrison are guys the Phillies would feel comfortable slotting in to an everyday role if a starter had to miss time due to injury.
Harrison can also play the corner outfield spots.
“Josh is a guy that can play anywhere on the field,” Thomson said. “He is tremendous in the clubhouse and he’s a guy that will start out the year as kind of a utility guy, but he plays so well that it’s hard to keep him out of the lineup. Great clubhouse presence and I’m really happy to have him because he’s got a lot of value. Gives us a lot of flexibility.”
Phillies Notes
- Speaking of corner outfielders, Darick Hall is in the mix for a bench spot. He’s primarily a first baseman and DH, but he’s taking some reps in the corner outfield.
- Thomson recently said that Trea Turner will “probably” hit leadoff for the Phillies while Bryce Harper is out. As far as who is hitting behind him, `Thomson said he likes the idea of having Schwarber hitting near Turner.
- The eight Phillies regulars participating in the World Baseball Classic, Schwarber, Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Garrett Stubbs, Ranger Suárez, José Alvarado, Gregory Soto and Taijuan Walker, will leave Phillies camp and head to their respective country’s training facility somewhere between March 6-8. Vito Friscia, a non-roster invitee playing for Italy, will leave a little bit earlier since he’ll be heading to Taiwan for the first round of play.
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