Philadelphia Philllies designate Tommy Joseph for assignment

The writing was on the wall for Philadephia Phillies first baseman Tommy Joseph. On Monday, he was designated for assignment.

It was just a matter of time for Tommy Joseph. The Philadelphia Phillies had brought in first baseman Carlos Santana, giving him a three year contract. Rhys Hoskins, who impressed as a rookie, was being moved to the outfield to accommodate the new first baseman.

These moves essentially left Joseph without a place on the roster. The Phillies already had a logjam in the outfield with Hoskins being transplanted, and he was the backup option for Santana. Unless the Phillies wanted to keep Joseph on the roster as a pinch hitter, he did not have a spot available.

The inevitable came on Monday, as the Phillies have designated Joseph for assignment, removing him from the 40 man roster. In his place, Philadelphia added new ace Jake Arrieta, who signed a three year contract on Sunday.

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While Joseph hit for power last year, he slipped from his performance in 2016. Over the course of the 2017 campaign, Joseph produced a disappointing .240/.289/.432 batting line, hitting 22 homers. Although his walk rate remained close to the same, Joseph struck out in 24.2% of his plate appearances. He also struggled to lift the ball, hitting far more grounders than in previous years.

Even though the Phillies were going nowhere last year, he began to lose playing time once September came around. After September 7, he only had five starts in his final 13 games, playing a complete game in only one of those contests. Philadelphia had lost confidence in what had once been an up and coming first base prospect.

Despite a lack of room in Philadelphia, Joseph could be of interest to another team. He does have some pop, having 43 career homers in his 880 plate appearances. However, he is strictly a first baseman, as concussion issues forced him from behind the plate. Perhaps a team looking for an inexpensive option at first or, as a designated hitter in the American League, could give Joseph a look.

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It was a matter of time before the Philadelphia Phillies and Tommy Joseph went their separate ways. That time came on Monday, as he was designated for assignment.