CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies added outfield help on Monday, signing veteran Will Venable to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training. He's expected to report to camp Tuesday.
Venable, 33, opted out of his contract with the Cleveland Indians over the weekend. The left-handed hitter can play all three outfield positions.
Venable's best season was 2013, when he hit .268 with 22 homers, 53 RBIs and a .796 OPS for the Padres.
After eight seasons with San Diego, he was traded last August to the Rangers.
Venable is a former baseball and basketball standout at Princeton.
The Phillies’ outfield has been thinned by injuries to Aaron Altherr and Cody Asche. Venable’s power, versatility and left-handed bat could help. He could be a candidate to platoon with right-handed hitting Tyler Goeddel.
The Phillies’ addition of Venable does not close the door on Cedric Hunter or David Lough making the team. Both remain with the club as camp is coming to an end.