By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Despite leading the club this spring in hits (9), doubles (3), batting average (.429) and on-base percentage (.500), minimum 10 at-bats, the Philadelphia Phillies announced on Monday they have designated 1B/OF Tommy Joseph for assignment to make room for right-hander Jake Arrieta on the 40-man roster.
There simply was no room for sustaining at-bats for Joseph at the big league club in 2018, which likely made the transaction an easy decision for Phillies brass and manager Gabe Kapler. Carlos Santana and Rhys Hoskins will split time at first base and either of the two corner outfield positions.
It is unlikely that Joseph will go unclaimed through waivers and report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, given his production with the Phillies over the last two seasons. The 26-year-old hit .247/.297/.460 in 249 games and 880 plate appearances, producing 42 doubles, one triple, 43 home runs, 116 runs-batted-in and 55 walks in red pinstripes.
The Phillies acquired Joseph from the San Francisco Giants on July 31, 2012, along with Seth Rosin and Nate Schierholtz, in exchange for outfielder Hunter Pence. Pence went on to win two World Series championships with the Giants in 2012 and 2014.
It’s time pic.twitter.com/od02dfb3yx
— Jake Arrieta (@JArrieta34) March 12, 2018
In designating Joseph, the Phillies officially announced their free agent signing in Arrieta, who will wear No. 49, according to the club's press release. The number is currently occupied by right-hander Ben Lively. Arrieta wore No. 49 in four-plus seasons with the Chicago Cubs from 2013-2017.
“Jake is among the best pitchers in baseball," said Phillies Vice President and General Manager Matt Klentak. "His list of accomplishments is exceptional. He is an elite competitor, tireless worker, a winner. I am confident he will be a great addition to our talented young team and the city of Philly."
FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman details the specific's of Arrieta's contract:
Jake Arrieta: 30M, 25M, 20M. opt out after '19. phils can void opt-out by extending for 2 years at $20M. escalators can raise '21 & '22 salaries to 25M based on games started (starting at 25 games, to 31 games), & to 30M w/ 1/2/3 in cy young voting in '18 or '19, to 28M with 4/5
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 12, 2018
Arrieta will be officially introduced at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at Spectrum Field.
