The Phillies needed a roster spot to bring Sean O'Sullivan back to the Major Leagues in time for Tuesday evening's start. In a surprising move, the Phillies sent their starting third baseman to the minor leagues to make room…without bringing another infielder up.
Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said in his postgame press conference broadcast on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia that Asche would go down to AAA Lehigh Valley to learn left field, and indicated that when he is ready he will return. Citing the greater good for the organization.
Sandberg said that Cesar Hernandez and Andres Blanco would be options at third base until another move is made. While Sandberg did not say so, Maikel Franco could be back up to Philadelphia to play third base by the end of the week. By keeping Franco at AAA through May 15, the Phillies gain an extra year of control at the end of his contract.
How did Asche take the news?
How Cody took the news – Sandberg – he realized "if he gets after it, it could be a fairly short stint". Said Asche big part of the future.
— Leslie Gudel (@lesliegudel) May 12, 2015
Of course, for the Phillies to have Asche as an outfielder on the roster, the team will have to start subtracting players from their Major League roster.
Asche started out 2015 really strong at the plate, but was hitting just .069 in May after Monday night's game. Asche batted .301 in April before going through a prolonged six-game hitless streak from May 1 through May 10.
