A move that has been coming for weeks has been made official as the baseball offseason goes into full swing.
Phillies utility player Cody Asche has been designated for assignment, and could become a free agent. To replace Asche on the 40-man roster, the Phillies claimed pitcher David Ross from the Texas Rangers.
Asche was once considered a top-prospect in a decimated Phillies farm system, and was largely over-hyped when he made his major league debut. In four seasons with the Phillies, Asche hit .240 with 31 home runs and 125 RBIs.
Should Asche go unclaimed on waivers, the Phillies can option him to Lehigh Valley and retain him as an emergency utility player.