LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Phillies designated Tommy Joseph for assignment Monday night to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for Jake Arrieta.
Joseph, 26, had an uncertain future ever since the Phillies signed first baseman Carlos Santana this winter and moved Rhys Hoskins to left field. The Phillies have seven days to trade, release, or place Joseph on waivers and outright him to the minor leagues if he clears. Joseph traveled with the Phillies Monday night but was removed from the lineup shortly before the first pitch of a 3-0 win over the Braves.
Arrieta passed his physical Monday afternoon in Philadelphia and boarded a flight to Florida after signing his three-year contract.