Hot Spring Could Land Sosa More Playing Time For Phillies

Edmundo Sosa proved how valuable he could be with the ability to play multiple positions last season.

In spring training, the Philadelphia Phillies worked him out in center field to potentially serve as a backup to Brandon Marsh.

Not only has Sosa been terrific in center field, he has been thriving at the plate, too.

Sosa is 16-for-31 with four home runs and a 1.583 OPS this spring. On Monday, Sosa went 2-for-3 in a 14-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Sosa is arguably the Phillies’ top defensive infielder, but he can also be a strong right-handed hitter to place in center field when Marsh is given a day off.

“When I compare myself to the beginning of camp, I see progress,” Sosa said of getting comfortable in center field.

“He’s getting better every day,” manager Rob Thomson added. “He’s getting good jumps. … It looks like he’s going to be able to do it. … If we come up against a tough lefty and we want to give (Marsh) a day off, I’d feel confident putting him out there.”

When the Phillies acquired Sosa last season, it didn’t seem like a huge move.

It has turned out to be a major win for the Phillies.

If Sosa has the ability to play in the infield or outfield and he continues to hit like this, the Phillies will reap the rewards.

Credit to president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski because acquiring Sosa has already proven to be majorly beneficial.