Jim Thome

Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes that Jim Thome is expected play first base “once a week at most” for the Phillies.

In other words, he’s not a real option to fill in for Ryan Howard (Achilles) at the beginning of the season. It’s not a surprise, as Thome has played just 28 total innings at first base over the last five seasons and said he hasn’t even taken grounders at the position since 2009. The 41-year-old did say that he’ll likely arrive to spring training early so that he can prepare himself to be available to play first when needed. “I looked in the mirror and said, ‘OK, I haven’t played first base, but also I like the challenge of preparing over the winter to get ready for it,’” Thome said.

Phillies signed DH-1B Jim Thome to a one-year, $1.25 million contract.

Thome passed his physical Saturday, making the deal official. The 41-year-old batted .256/.361/.477 with 15 homers and 50 RBI over 324 plate appearances between the Twins and Indians in 2011 and, at the very least, will give manager Charlie Manuel a weapon off the bench next year. He could also be an option to fill in at first base if Ryan Howard’s recovery from Achilles surgery goes slowly, but, given that he has logged a total of 28 innings at the position over the last six years, that might not be realistic.

Updating a previous item, Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com hears that the Phillies have signed Jim Thome to a one-year, $1.25 million contract.

The deal is pending a physical, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday. It’s a fine deal for the Phillies, who will likely use him as a left-handed bat off the bench, though he could also be an emergency option at first base if Ryan Howard (Achilles) misses the start of the season. Thome, 41, previously played with the Phillies from 2003-2005. The veteran slugger currently sits at eighth place on the all-time list with 604 home runs.