Carlos Tocci batted .173 in Cactus League action (Frank Klose/Sports Talk Philly)
The Phillies have a few former players currently with the Texas Rangers. Two of them made news on Friday. One is headed to the big leagues while the other is headed all the way to Double-A.
Former Phillies prospect Carlos Tocci was informed that he made the Rangers Opening Day roster, reports Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Tocci was selected by the Rangers in the Rule 5 draft held in December. Had Tocci not made the Rangers roster, he would have to be offered back to the Phillies. Tocci must remain on the Rangers major league roster all season or else he will be offered back to the Phillies.
Tocci was an All-Star last season at Double-A Reading and was soon promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. While Tocci profiles as a fourth or fifth outfielder in the major leagues, the Phillies instead chose to protect some higher-profile prospects on the 40-man roster instead. Tocci batted just .173 this Spring but apparently impressed the Rangers enough that they are going to try to keep him.
First baseman Tommy Joseph was claimed off of waivers by the Texas Rangers earlier this week. Joseph, however, will not make the Rangers Opening Day roster. Joseph will report not to Triple-A in the Rangers organization, but instead Double-A. The Rangers announced that they have optioned Joseph to Double-A Frisco, via T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.
Joseph was hitless in three at bats for the Rangers after hitting .429 for the Phillies in Grapefruit League action in 2018.
Meanwhile, Eliezer Alvarez, acquired by the Rangers from the Phillies for cash considerations earlier this week, was optioned to Double-A Frisco as well.
