Phillies bring in Danks to bolster outfield
Claimed off waivers from White Sox, versatile lefty hitter to compete for backup job this spring
PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies added depth to their outfield mix on Friday, claiming Jordan Danks off waivers from the White Sox.
Danks is expected to compete for a backup role in Spring Training. He's primarily been a center fielder over three seasons in the Majors, but he is also capable of playing the corner-outfield positions.
A left-handed hitter, Danks appeared in 51 games with the White Sox last year and hit .222 with two home runs and two doubles in 132 plate appearances.
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"Jordan is a player whose power and outfield defense appealed to us," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement. "We've been looking for athletes and guys who can play defense, and Jordan is both. His athleticism was important, and he will be part of the outfield mix in Spring Training with the possibility of making our Major League club. Much like our starting pitching, we are creating depth in the outfield, especially with regards to defense."
Danks, 28, was a seventh-round pick by the White Sox in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Texas. His older brother, John, is a starting pitcher for the White Sox.
The Phillies now have a full 40-man roster.