Jorge Alfaro will make his first MLB start at first base Saturday night against the Giants (9:05/CSN and CSNPhilly.com).
The 24-year-old catcher didn't play first base while with Triple A Lehigh Valley this season, spending all of his time in the field behind the plate. He played two innings at first base for La Guaira in the Venezuelan Winter League this past offseason.
He hasn't played first in the minors since in the Rangers system in 2014 when he started 18 games there. He hasn't played first since coming over to the Phillies' organization in the Cole Hamels trade in 2015.
The move allows Pete Mackanin to start Cameron Rupp, Rhys Hoskins and Alfaro in the same game, although it forces Tommy Joseph to the bench. Alfaro, who picked up hits in all five games he's started behind the plate, is 8 for 20 this season.
Hoskins was exclusively a first baseman in the minor leagues until a few weeks ago, when the team tried him in left field. With Aaron Altherr and now Odubel Herrera on the disabled list, Hoskins has been able to get regular MLB at-bats despite playing out of position. He's started one game for the Phillies at first.
Here's the lineup that will oppose Giants southpaw Ty Blach:
1. Cesar Hernandez, 2B
2. Freddy Galvis, SS
3. Nick Williams, CF
4. Rhys Hoskins, LF
5. Maikel Franco, 3B
6. Jorge Alfaro, 1B
7. Cameron Rupp, C
8. Cameron Perkins, RF
9. Jerad Eickhoff, P