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Infielder Nix joins Phillies in time for opener

ARLINGTON -- Jayson Nix didn't have to travel far to join the Phillies for Opening Day on Monday.

Nix lives about 30 minutes outside Dallas, so when the Rays traded him to the Phillies on Friday for cash considerations, he flew home from Port Charlotte, Fla., where the Rays hold Spring Training. 

Nix had an out clause in his contract that said he could ask for his release if he was not on Tampa Bay's Opening Day roster. He was not going to make the Rays, but the Phillies needed a backup shortstop while Freddy Galvis is on the disabled list recovering from MRSA.

"I thought they might be a possibility," Nix said. "I talked to them a little bit in the offseason, so I knew it was possible. But you never know about those things."

Nix's brother, Laynce, played for the Phillies from 2012-13, so the newest Phillie is somewhat familiar with the organization.

Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: Philadelphia Phillies, Jayson Nix