Phillies have announced that they have a deal to bring in Grady Sizemore,32, on a minor league deal. The Red Sox released Sizemore last week and the Phillies were rumored to be in talks with him. Sizemore was a three time all star in his early career, until the injury bug hit him. Between 2009 and 2012, he had left elbow surgery, two lower abdomen surgeries to repair hernias, microfracture surgery on left knee, right knee surgery, and most recently back surgery.
After sitting out the 2013 season, Sizemore signed with the Red Sox in January for one year with a base salary of $750,000 with incentives for up to $6 million. After getting off to a hot start, Grady went ice-cold, only hitting .187 with no homers and a .530 OPS which led to his release. In his time with the Red Sox, he hit .216 with 10 doubles, two home runs, and 15 RBIs.
Sizemore will report to triple-A Leigh Valley this Thursday. It will be the first time he has played in triple-A since 2001 when he was a 21-year-old prospect. Part of his contract has an opt out clause if he is not in majors by the All Star break. The Phillies could use that time to evaluate him and decide if he will take a bench role or possibly play in relief of a struggling Domonic Brown, who is sitting tonight versus the Marlins.
Andrew Shipotofsky is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Ashipotofsky
