A day after Jim Salisbury of Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia reported that the Phillies were taking a look at outfielder Roger Bernadina, the Phillies signed Bernadina today. Bernadina will take the roster spot of Michael Martinez, who was optioned to AAA Lehigh Valley, reports Todd Zolecki. Bernadina was released by the Washington Nationals.
Bernadina will likely try to show the Phillies that he is worth enough to fill a Laynce Nix-type role next year on the Phillies. While they had similiar batting average this year in the high .100s, Bernadina comes with the ability to play all three outfield positions. He has started 113 games in center field in his career, along with 87 in left field and 78 in right field.
While hitting just .178 this season, Bernadina hit .291 with a .374 OBP in 2012. If he can hit like he did in 2012, the Phillies could have something for their bench in 2014, since Bernadina will be under club control. Should Bernadina show the Phillies nothing, they can cut him. Heck, it only cost them a Michael Martinez roster spot.
