By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Philadelphia Phillies have hired their once 31st round draft pick in the 2006 amateur draft — right-handed pitcher Bruce Billings — as a minor league coach.
Billings, 33, announced the hire on Christmas day on Facebook, saying he is "excited for this new chapter" of he and his wife Caitlyn's "story."
It is not clear as to which Phillies affiliate Billings will coach for in 2019. CPBL Stats confirmed his role will be "within" the Phillies organization, hence in the minor leagues.
Billings, 33, played in parts of two big-league seasons, 2011 (Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics) and 2014 (New York Yankees) as a right-handed pitcher. Billings passed the opportunity to join the Phillies organization and returned to San Diego State University for another year, before being drafted by the Rockies in the 30th round in the 2007 draft.
Spanning five career relief appearances, the San Diego, California, native allowed 14 runs (12 earned) on 17 hits, three home runs, seven walks and 14 strikeouts spanning 55 faced batters.
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After spending the 2015 season with the Washington Nationals' Triple-A affiliate, Billings headed overseas to Taiwan and played from 2016 to 2018 for the Uni-Lions and Fubon Guardians. This past season in 20 starts in Taiwan, Billings posted a 5.72 ERA and 1.62 WHIP with 90 strikeouts and 40 walks surrendered spanning 102 1/3 innings.
