Peter Bourjos has returned from his shoulder injury (Frank Klose/Philliedelphia)
When Peter Bourjos went down with a shoulder injury diving to make a nice play on what might have been an Ichiro Suzuki double, the timing was right when Aaron Altherr returned from the disabled list. Now Bourjos is back, and that means subtracting another player from the roster. That player is Cody Asche.
The Phillies announced that Bourjos has been activated from the 15-day disabled list and that Asche has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Asche is batting just .213 in 57 games played and his time may be running out to show that he is a part of the future of the rebuilding Phillies team. Asche would be more valuable if he was playing multiple positions, something he was unable to do having missed Spring Training. It is unclear whether or not the Phillies will use this time for that.
Bourjos may have been traded prior to the August 1 non-wavier trade deadline had he not been injured. Bourjos will likely not be part of the future of this Phillies team, but he serves as a useful piece for a contender, should he clear waivers. If he does not clear waivers, the Phillies could work out a deal with the claiming team, or simply let him go on waivers.
A possible departure for Bourjos means that Jimmy Paredes stays. Despite not performing much differently than Asche, Paredes does not have minor league options. The Phillies will keep him around to see who they need after a player or two is potentially moved. Paredes could go when the team needs another roster spot.
