Feb 27, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Freddy Galvis throws to first base against the Toronto Blue Jays in a spring training exhibition game at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
The Phillies have added an extra weapon to their offensive and defensive attacks, as Freddy Galvis was activated from the DL on Friday afternoon. Here’s what MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki had to say about the move:
"Galvis had been a lock to make the Opening Day roster before he picked up an MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection in his left knee in March. He is the team’s most versatile and best defensive player, so it will not be a surprise to see him get semi-regular action at second, third and shortstop."
I expect this move to be a popular one in Philadephia. Galvis has the ability to fill a spot in the lineup card every night and the Phillies could use another piece to the offense.
Galvis, 24, isn’t the best hitter on the Phillies’ bench, but he’ll certainly get playing time in spot starts when needed. According to Yahoo! Sports’ split stats, Galvis hit .302 in 20 day games last season, something the Philadelphia coaching staff might want to take advantage of. In his 55 September at-bats, he hit .309 with two home runs and five RBIs.
With this move, the team optioned infielder Cesar Hernandez to AA. Hernandez hit .314 during his time in the minors last season, notching 24 extra-base-hits and 37 RBIs in 401 at-bats. Overall, he had a .378 on-base percentage. If he continues putting up numbers like that this season, expect a call-up to be in his future.
The Phillies have gotten off to a rough start in 2014. They just got swept by the Milwakee Brewers and now enter a tough series of a surging Miami Marlins team.