Phillies utility player Emmanuel Burriss accepts minor league assignment

Emmanuel Burriss heads to AAA Lehigh Valley (Frank Klose/Philliedelphia)

When the Phillies went to Spring Training, one player who did not figure to have a chance to stay with the big league club was Emmanuel Burriss.  Formerly known as "Manny" in his San Francisco Giants days, Burriss made the team thanks to injuries to both outfielder Cody Asche and outfielder Aaron Altherr.   Burriss stayed with the team until the acquisition of Jimmy Paredes earlier this week, at which point Burriss was designated for assignment.

Out of minor league options, Burriss could have chosen to be a free agent.   However, instead, Burriss opted to accept an assignment at AAA Lehigh Valley.   The Phillies had 10 days to trade, release, or assign Burriss to the minor leagues.  Burriss accepted the Phillies' invitation to remain with the organization.

Burriss appeared in 33 games for the Phillies in 2016, batting just .121.  Burriss had one double and one triple, but no home runs and no runs batted in.  Burriss appeared at first base, left field, and second base for the Phillies.