By Sam Bush
The Phillies will have to find a designated hitter until Bryce Harper returns from Tommy John surgery in June or July.
“At this point, I think it’s a rotation,” manager Rob Thomson said.
“Getting people off their feet. Giving them a half day, so to speak.”
In order to shuffle different players through there, positional versatility will be key. It was previously reported that infielder Edmundo Sosa will be getting some work in center field in order to increase his chances of getting playing time.
Thomson also highlighted Josh Harrison as someone who could also see extensive action, given his ability to play all multiple positions. He’s played every position except catcher in his career, though he’s spent more time at second and third base than anywhere else.
Thomson also mentioned the bat of Darick Hall, who hit nine home runs in his first 42 major league games last year. He’s been almost exclusively a first baseman in his professional career but the club is considering getting him some outfield work to help his bat into the lineup.
“If he swings the bat the way he did last year,” Thomson said, “it’s going to be tough to keep him off the club.”
