Red Sox infielder Brandon Phillips working his way back to majors
The Boston Red Sox recently signed Brandon Phillips to a minor league deal. He has since worked his way up to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Brandon Phillips hasn’t appeared in the majors this year. Now he’s one stop away from a potential call up with the Boston Red Sox.
The veteran infielder was signed to a minor league deal last month. Phillips spent six games with the Single-A Lowell Spinners. He hit .318 with a .801 OPS, a home run and seven RBI.
Apparently that’s all he needed to prove at that level. Phillips has been promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket, putting him one stop away from the big leagues.
#PawSox roster moves today. Add INF Brandon Phillips from Lowell and reliever Trevor Kelley from Portland. INF Ivan De Jesus Jr off the temporarily inactive list. LHP Bobby Poyner to Boston (Robby Scott optioned). That's 14 PawSox player transactions in last three days
— Pawtucket Red Sox (@PawSox) July 14, 2018
Phillips could fill a need
While a call up to the majors may not be imminent, Boston could certainly use a proven infielder like Phillips waiting on standby. It’s looking increasingly unlikely that Dustin Pedroia will return this season. Eduardo Nunez hasn’t been the sparkplug he was following last year’s mid-season acquisition and he struggles in the field. Rafael Devers is currently on the disabled list. While he’s expected back shortly after the All-Star break, if that shoulder flares up in the meantime it could extend his absence.
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Depth is important. Phillips gives the Red Sox an infielder who can cover three positions.
Philips is a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner. He owns a .275/.320/.421 line over the course of his career.
The 37-year old may be past his prime but he was still an effective player last year. Phillips began the 2017 season with the Atlanta Braves before being dealt at the deadline to the Los Angeles Angels. He hit a solid .285 with a .735 OPS, 13 home runs and 60 RBI in 144 games split between the two teams.
He’s a below-average defender at this stage of his career yet Phillips’ glove is still an upgrade for the Red Sox at second or third base.
Phillips could be an option to consider carrying on the postseason roster. He hasn’t played on that stage since 2013 yet does have a great track record in limited appearances. Phillips has hit .325 with a .892 OPS and two home runs in nine career playoff games.
Perhaps the Red Sox won’t find room for Phillips on their roster. They may even cut him loose to allow him to latch on somewhere else this summer. Yet with all the question marks in the infield right now it makes sense to hang on to him in case he’s needed.