Stassi striving to claim Phillies' bench spot

First baseman/outfielder has monster numbers through first few games

March 2nd, 2017

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- continues to impress in his quest to win a job on the Phillies' bench.
Stassi went 3-for-5 with one RBI in Thursday's 8-8 tie with the Blue Jays in a Grapefruit League game at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. He is batting .636 with a 1.940 OPS in 12 Spring Training plate appearances. Stassi already is an excellent defensive first baseman, but in an effort to prove his versatility, he started the game in left field.
Stassi has played 36 games in the outfield in his Minor League career.
"He wasn't tested, but he's a sure-handed fielder," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "I think the only thing he doesn't have is the range I'd like to see out there. But I'm sure he would do fine out there."

• Shortstop went 1-for-3 with a two-run double. It was his first hit in 10 at-bats this spring.
"Galvis looks good at the plate. He looks like he's more under control, which is what we're trying to get him to do," Mackanin said.
• Right-hander Pat Neshek allowed three hits and one run in one inning for the Phils. It was his second inning this spring.
"He's looked good," Mackanin said. "He looked good in the past here. He just wasn't hitting his spots."