PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies have gone through a bit of an outfield shakeup over the last week. It has left those still in the mix settling into new roles.
Philadelphia activated Cody Asche from the disabled list and acquired Jimmy Paredes from the Blue Jays. Asche had been sidelined with an oblique injury since the beginning of Spring Training. To make room, Philadelphia designated utility man Emmanuel Burriss and outfielder David Lough for assignment. Burriss cleared waivers Saturday and was outrighted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Tyler Goeddel had settled into a starting role in left field, but manager Pete Mackanin said Thursday that Asche will strictly be a left fielder.
Since Asche returned, Goeddel said he's been working exclusively in right field, where he's played sparingly this season. He made only his second start of 2016 in right on Saturday against the Brewers.
"I'm comfortable [in right]," Goeddel said. "[Third-base coach and outfield instructor] Juan Samuel told me to start taking everything out there, so I've been doing that."
Goeddel played five Spring Training games in right. He also played 25 games there with Double-A Montgomery during his time with the Rays last season after being converted from a third baseman into an outfielder. His strong arm should play well in right.
Expect Goeddel to split time between the corner outfield spots going forward. The additions of Asche and Paredes should only continue to cut into Peter Bourjos' playing time. The speedy outfielder hasn't started in five games. As Mackanin searches for offense, Bourjos' .196 average has begun to outweigh his defense and baserunning ability.
Goeddel hit .288/.342/.452 in May, raising his batting average from .143 at the start of the month to .255 by the end. While he may have played himself into a starting role, Goeddel expects Mackanin to roll with the hot hand.
"Whoever's hitting is probably going to play," Goeddel said. "Hopefully, I'll continue to play well and stick out there."