The Philadelphia Phillies shared roster news on veteran infielder Dylan Moore, who was designated for assignment last week when J.T. Realmuto returned from the injured list.
Moore has cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A. Any of the other 29 teams could’ve claimed Moore and only owed him the prorated league minimum. Given his MLB experience, he could’ve declined the minor league assignment and tested free agency. Instead, he’ll remain in the Philadelphia organization. The team is still on the hook for more than $1 million in guaranteed money.
The Phillies’ roster crunch when Realmuto returned ultimately cost Moore his big-league gig. The club chose to keep catchers Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchan on the roster, even with Realmuto back in the fold. Moore was off to a slow start as a part-time player with the club.
Philadelphia Phillies Roster News: Dylan Moore Clears Waivers, Sent to Triple-A
Moore struggled mightily in his limited chances with the Phillies. The 33-year-old went hitless in 15 plate appearances. He did steal a base and score three runs. The versatile Moore received opportunities all over the diamond. He played first base, second base, left field, and center field with the squad. Moore’s most valuable contributions might’ve come on the mound. The veteran was forced into action in a blowout against the Washington Nationals. He got the final two outs in the 13-2 loss, becoming the first position player to pitch this season.
The Phillies handed Moore a $1.45 million deal this offseason. Since no other team jumped in to grab him off waivers, the club still owes Moore the rest of that money, even as he toils away at Lehigh Valley. Philadelphia still owes Nick Castellanos and Taijuan Walker more than $30 million. Moore’s money can be added to that pile.
The Texas Rangers drafted Moore in 2015. He bounced around to multiple organizations before getting a chance with the Seattle Mariners. Moore became a semi-regular with the club after his debut in 2019. His most valuable asset was his defensive versatility, as he spent ample time at all four infield spots and each outfield position. Moore rated poorly at shortstop, but he earned positive marks by Defensive Runs Saved at second base, third base, and in the outfield.
Will Moore Get Another Shot This Season?
The Phillies could certainly use help at multiple infield spots. Third baseman Alec Bohm has been among the worst hitters in the league by wRC+ this season. Despite his struggles, interim manager Don Mattingly is keeping Bohm in the lineup. Second baseman Bryson Stott hasn’t been much better. He’s hitting just .209 with a 67 wRC+. Stott already sits against left-handed pitching, which has opened up at-bats for Edmundo Sosa. The righty-swinging Sosa has a brutal .379 OPS in 29 plate appearances while playing second base,
Sosa and Felix Reyes are flexible options on the bench. Stubbs is also being used in multiple roles. The catcher has picked up appearances at third base and left field this year. Stubbs has also appeared as a pitcher. If the Phillies want to roll the dice on passing Stubbs through waivers, Moore could take his spot.
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