Phils deal for defensive whiz Pache from A’s

ARLINGTON — The Phillies’ Opening Day roster seemingly acquired a last-minute addition on Wednesday, when the membership acquired outfielder Cristian Pache from the Athletics in trade for right-handed reliever Billy Sullivan.

The 24-year-old Pache, who’s out of Minor League choices, was added to Philadelphia’s 40-man roster. To make room, the membership positioned Rhys Hoskins (torn left ACL) on the 60-day injured listing. The group has not but introduced its Opening Day roster.

Pache was thought-about the highest prospect within the Braves’ group — and the No. 12 general prospect in baseball, per MLB Pipeline — getting into the 2021 season. While he has showcased the velocity and defensive instruments that made him a extremely touted prospect, Pache has struggled to hit on the huge league degree.

Pache made a quick MLB debut in 2020, taking part in in simply two video games for the Braves — each of which got here in opposition to the Phillies. He had a barely longer stint in ’21, however he went simply 8-for-67 (.119) in 24 video games with Atlanta over these two seasons.

Prior to the 2022 season, Pache was traded to the A’s as a part of the bundle the Braves used to accumulate Matt Olson. Pache’s offensive struggles continued with Oakland, as he hit .166 (40-for-241) with a .459 OPS. He additionally amassed 70 strikeouts in 260 plate appearances over 91 video games final season.

Despite these hitting woes, Pache figures to supply worth off the Phillies’ bench as a possible late-game defensive alternative. He may play middle subject and slide Brandon Marsh to one of many nook spots in favor of both Kyle Schwarber in left or Nick Castellanos in proper. Castellanos and Schwarber ranked one hundred and twentieth and 123rd, respectively, out of 125 certified outfielders when it got here to outs above common final season.

The Phils additionally determine to have both Jake Cave or Dalton Guthrie as one other outfield choice. Those two appeared like locks to make the Opening Day roster after a flurry of strikes on Monday, however the addition of Pache will seemingly knock one in all them off the 26-man roster.

Though most of Pache’s taking part in time ought to are available a reserve position, he does convey the added bonus of being a right-handed hitter. While the Phillies are happy with the progress the left-handed-hitting Marsh has made in opposition to left-handed pitchers, it’s a perk so as to add a righty hitter who may slot into the lineup in opposition to southpaws and — on the very least — play elite protection.

When requested not too long ago if the membership wanted to have a right-handed-hitting outfielder to assist Marsh, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski stated: “It’s a strong consideration, but when you say, ‘You have to,’ I don’t know. It’s the same question that we’re going to ask ourselves. How much is Marsh going to play out there vs. lefties? He’s hitting lefties much better.”

Along with Pache, Cave and Guthrie, the Phillies have thought-about utilizing the versatile Edmundo Sosa within the outfield. The membership additionally has utility gamers Scott Kingery and Kody Clemens within the Minors after optioning the pair on Monday.