Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said Ty Wigginton will start at first base to open the 2012 season.
And Jim Thome will serve as his backup. Ryan Howard has made steady progress from his ruptured Achilles tendon but probably won’t be ready to come off the disabled list until late May. Wigginton, 34, tallied 15 home runs and 47 RBI in 130 games with the Phillies last year. He’ll carry some value in NL-only fantasy leagues.
Source: twitter.com
Tagged as: news, Phillies, Ty Wigginton
Phillies acquired infielder Ty Wigginton from the Rockies for a player to be named later or cash.
On a slow day in baseball, the Phillies made a nice, stealthy acquisition in taking Wigginton off Colorado’s hands. The Rockies were looking to shed Wigginton even if it meant covering some of his $3.5 million salary for next season (with a $4 million option for 2013 or a $500,000 buyout). Per Jon Morosi of FoxSports.com, there is no deadline specified for the exchange of player or cash. The 33-year-old Wigginton batted .242/.315/.416 with 15 home runs, 47 RBI and a .731 OPS over 446 plate appearances this season while playing first base, third base and both corner outfield spots. In Philly, he’ll provide insurance at first base while Ryan Howard is shelved and challenge Placido Polanco at third base, all while providing a bench bat and another backup outfielder. Wigginton hasn’t topped a .750 OPS since 2008 and isn’t a strong defender at third base, but he’s a poor man’s Michael Cuddyer for a fraction of the price.
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