The Phillies added some much-needed infield depth today, when they added utility infielder Jayson Nix to their bench. The Tampa Bay Rays traded Nix to the Phillies for cash considerations this evening. Nix was not going to make the Rays this offseason.
The Phillies also optioned Phillippe Aumont to the minor leagues after tonight's 3-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. As is often the case, Aumont struggled with his commanded. Aumont's earned run average looked decent enough in Spring Training, but his command led to too many walks.
Nix hit .270 this Spring Training for the Rays. Nix, the brother of former Phillies outfielder Laynce Nix (yes, they both have a superfluous "y" in their name), has spent six years in the major leagues with the Rockies, White Sox, Indians, Blue Jays, and Yankees. Nix split last season almost evenly between third base and shortstop for the Yankees. Nix is a career .218 hitter. Unlike Laynce Nix, Jayson is a right-handed hitter.
Nix takes the bench spot that was occupied by Freddy Galvis, and maybe will even unseat Cesar Hernandez when Galvis returns. As for Aumont, the move could make way for Mario Hollands or Shawn Camp. Jonathan Papelbon, Antonio Bastardo, Jake Diekman, Justin De Fratus, Brad Lincoln, and B.J. Rosenberg will likely fill out the bullpen. Hollands and Camp both could make the club if the Phillies choose to make a decision on the fifth starter later.
