Will Venable never got going for the IronPigs (Frank Klose/Philliedelphia)
When the Phillies added outfielder Will Venable in the wake of injuries to Cody Asche and Aaron Altherr, Venable seemed like a lock for the Phillies roster. However, Venable never got going for the IronPigs and never did make the Phillies roster. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs announced four roster moves today, and Venable is departing.
Matt Provence, director of media relations and broadcasting for the IronPigs, reported the moves:
.@IronPigs transactions (Part 1): OF Will Venable exercised an out in his contract (granted by PHI). INF Angelys Nina released by PHI…
— Matt Provence (@PigsRadio) June 10, 2016
.@IronPigs transactions (Part 2): INF Carlos Alonso promoted to LHV and OF David Lough added to LHV roster (DFA'd by PHI on 6/2).
— Matt Provence (@PigsRadio) June 10, 2016
Meanwhile, pitcher Tyler Viza got promoted to AA Reading.
Venable batted just .205 for the IronPigs in 127 at bats. When the Phillies needed a left-handed outfielder this season, the Phillies first went with Cedric Hunter, and then later David Lough, passing up Venable each time. Lough was designated for assignment by the Phillies after Cody Asche returned from the disabled list, and now stays in the Phillies organzation, taking Venable's spot at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Nina never got his bat going, either. Nina batted just .193 in 83 at bats in the IronPigs infield. He will be replaced by second baseman Carlos Alonso. Alonso, brother of former Eagles linebacker Kiko Alonso, spent most of 2015 on the disabled list after tearing a knee ligament in a play at second base. Alonso has split 2016 between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season, batting .266.
