Cody Asche returns to the Phillies

On Friday, the Phillies recalled Cody Asche from Lehigh Valley to join the team as its new left fielder. A corresponding move will be made prior to their game against the Colorado Rockies tonight in Philadelphia.

Asche is now officially an outfielder, having played 15 games at Triple-A for the Iron Pigs. He acquitted himself well enough to be called up to the Majors after less than 20 days in the minors, which means he will not lose any Major League service time.

Asche made one error in 24 chances while learning his new position, and batted .295 with a homer and three RBIs in 61 at-bats. Here is one of his better efforts during his training.

It is expected he will be the team's starting left fielder tonight, however, that makes an already crowded outfield that much more crowded. Which, of course, begs the question.

Is a trade coming?

There were rumors recently the Phils were shopping Ben Revere, and that the Los Angeles Angels were interested. But they just traded for an outfielder, so that doesn't seem likely anymore. It's possible the Phils could simply move Revere to right field and go with a trio of Asche in left, Odubel Herrera in center and Revere in right.

In that case they could choose to designate Jeff Francoeur or Grady Sizemore for assignment, or send Darin Ruf back to the minors, although the latter move would leave the Phils without a back-up first baseman. The Phils could also move or release Andres Blanco and use Asche as a reserve infielder.

Oh, and let's not forget Domonic Brown is still toiling away in Lehigh Valley. His power has not yet returned and he is hitting .257/.313/.309 with a wRC+ of 80. He still has no home runs and just six doubles in 166 PAs, which is not terribly impressive, but he is hitting .321 over the last two weeks.

At some point, the theory of displacement will rule the day and at least one or two players will be on their way out. But for now, the focus is on Asche and how well he takes to his new position.

***UPDATE***

Grady Sizemore DFA, Phillies announce

— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) May 29, 2015

So, there you go.