The Phillies announced a bit of good news on the injury front on Friday. Infielder-turned-outfielder Cody Asche has been resting a strained oblique since Spring Training. Tonight, Asche will begin a rehab assignment at Class A Clearwater.
The Phillies infield and outfield situation will be vastly improved with the addition of a healthy Asche to their major league roster. Currently, Emmanuel Burriss is serving as the team's backup infielder and outfielder. Burriss is hitting just .080 while left field options Tyler Goeddel is batting .159 and David Lough is batting .239.
The Phillies sent first baseman and outfielder Darin Ruf to AAA Lehigh Valley earlier today. Ruf was not able to help the Phillies outfield situation, either. Upon his return, Asche will likely get regular play in left field, while serving as insurance for the Phillies infield. While Asche may not have been guaranteed a starting spot heading into Spring Training, the injury to Aaron Altherr means that there is plenty of opportunity in the Phillies outfield.
Asche is a .246 career hitter in 984 Major League at bats.
