The Phillies have activated first baseman Jim Thome (back). To make room on the roster the Phillies have optioned Pete Orr to triple A Lehigh Valley. Thome of course will still be primarily a bench player, but Charlie Manuel may use Thome from time to time at first base if he is feeling OK.
The real reason Thome is being activated again is to have him available for upcoming inter league games as a designated hitter. Thome’s bat has been a mere sliver of what it once was, and thus painful to watch for those of us who have been big Thome supporters. Losing Orr also removes a little speed off the bench for when a pinch-runner is needed late in the game.
Chase Utley and Ryan Howard continue with their extended spring training participation, but there is no indication how soon either will make their seaosn debut.
Follow Macho Row on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
