Phillies Cut Ties with Didi Gregorius – What’s Next for the Infield?

Didi Gregorius, who was in the final year of his two year contract with the Phillies this season, was released this afternoon, the team announced. His roster spot was needed for the return of another veteran infielder, 2nd Baseman Jean Segura. Segura, who had been out since early June with a finger injury, returned off the Injured List Thursday.

With the departure of Gregorius, rookie Bryson Stott is expected to get the majority of the AB’s at shortstop. Should the left-handed hitter need a day off, Phillies manager Rob Thomson could insert either Yario Munoz or the newly acquired Edmundo Sosa to the position. With that being said, if I had the lineup card on a day to day basis, I would continue to ride the hot hand.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 08: Bryson Stott #5 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Oakland Athletics during a game at Citizens Bank Park on April 8, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Defense in the infield should remain a top priority as well. Alec Bohm has improved mightily at the hot corner, however the Phillies have another 3rd Baseman on the 40-man roster in Johan Camargo, who is viewed as a stronger defensive option. Although the longtime Atlanta Brave is currently with Triple A Lehigh Valley, he is someone worth considering when constructing the roster for September, and a potential postseason run.

Bohm had an amazing month of July and is consistently hitting at the top of the Phillies batting order, something Segura did before he suffered the injury. The Phillies should be cautious with Segura now that he is back, especially now that the club has the depth to sustain a bump in the road. Sosa, Munoz, and even Matt Vierling, who has spent the majority of his time in the outfield, have seen time at 2nd base this season. 

Vierling has logged time at every infield position during his two years with the team, with the exception of SS. (1B, 2B, 3B)

Nick Maton is another name to keep in the back of our minds. Maton has been playing in Lehigh Valley with Segura and Camargo, rehabbing an injury of his own. The Phillies have a ton of depth in their infield, and that is a huge reason why the organization was okay with letting Didi go before his contract was up. Despite serving as a leader in the clubhouse off the field, the Phillies simply needed more production on the field. 

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