Newly acquired Wells ready to help in any role

WASHINGTON -- The 2013 season has been something of a whirlwind for outfielder Casper Wells. When he put on a Phillies uniform for the first time Friday, it was the fifth uniform he's worn this season.

"I'm like the Major League rover," he joked.

Wells was claimed by the Phillies off waivers on Thursday after spending most of his season with the White Sox. He hit .167 with one double and one RBI in 66 at-bats for Chicago.

Manager Charlie Manuel said that Wells can play all three outfield positions and could help fill in for injured center fielder Ben Revere, who has been out since mid-July with a broken foot. The 28-year-old agreed with Manuel's assessment but added that he is most comfortable in right field, where he can utilize his arm.

"It's fun to throw guys out, and in right field you get more opportunity to do that," Wells said. "But with center field, it's just having the quickness. As long as I keep working on my speed and that doesn't lack, I think I can handle center field."

Wells had a positive attitude on Friday, saying he has grown accustomed to the business of baseball. Over a three-week span in April, he went from the Mariners to the Blue Jays to the A's to the White Sox.

"I just focus on and control the things I can control, just worry about that, that's all you can really do, you know?" Wells said. "There's certain things that in your head you play out, you want it to be a certain way, but it doesn't always turn out how you expect it. So you kind of just control what you can control and try to keep things simple and positive.

"I feel like you've always got to embrace change whenever it happens. This is a great ballclub, a lot of history, great fans, great city, great coaching staff and players. I'm just excited for the opportunity to get comfortable, meet these guys, settle in."