Phillies Claim CF Off Waivers

The Philadelphia Phillies are in dire straights in their outfield. As we wrote about yesterday, they lost their newly-acquired center fielder Brandon Marsh to a gruesome-looking leg injury, and simply weren't sure how they were going to bridge the gap. 

But then one look at the waiver wire, and the Phillies had found their near-term replacement, in Bradley Zimmer, just released by the Toronto Blue Jays after their acquisition of Jackie Bradley Jr. 

Phillies have their temporary center fielder: Bradley Zimmer. Claimed off waivers from Toronto. Bryce Harper was moved to the 60-day IL, but that does not affect his expected return approx. Sept. 1.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) August 18, 2022

Now, Zimmer isn't going to set the world on fire at the dish, as he's sporting a .105 average this season (yikes!), and an equally feeble .446 OPS. But he can go get it in center field. Zimmer is a premium defensive outfielder, and from that aspect, the Phils won't be lacking. 

This has certainly been Zimmer's M.O. throughout his six years in the majors, as he sports a career .214 average but with a slightly more palatable .638 OPS—while covering plenty of ground in the outfield.

The Phillies are without regular outfielders Bryce Harper (who, even when he returns around Sept. 1st, will be relegated to DH duties due an elbow problem) and Kyle Schwarber, who's currently out with a calf strain. He, too, will likely DH for a bit upon his return, expected in the coming days. 

Photos: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports, David Richard-USA TODAY Sports