Phillies claim veteran outfielder on waivers as part of series of roster moves

The Philadelphia Phillies claimed outfielder Bradley Zimmer off of waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays as part of a series of roster moves announced Thursday afternoon.

As center fielder Brandon Marsh deals with both a bone bruise to his left knee and a left ankle sprain, he’s been placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Aug. 17. We’ll learn a more specific timetable on Marsh Friday afternoon when interim manager Rob Thomson speaks before the Phillies open a four-game weekend set with the New York Mets.

The Phillies also transferred Bryce Harper to the 60-day injured list to make room for Zimmer, but that’s just a procedural move to open up a 40-man roster spot. The reigning National League MVP — who is expected to begin a rehab stint next week — was initially placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left thumb on June 26. 60 days from then would make Harper eligible to be activated on Aug. 25, which is before he’s expected to be ready to return to the majors anyway.

While Zimmer has struggled mightily at the plate this season — he’s slashing just .105/.209/.237 in 87 appearances — he did drive in 35 runs a season ago with Cleveland. He’s also left-handed, which makes him a good compliment to Matt Vierling in Marsh’s absence. The 29-year-old has two defensive runs saved and one out above average in center field this season, so he should be an above-average option defensively.

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