While he’s pinch hit a few times in the past year or two, he’s never DH’d two games in a row. But after another bad year in AAA sporting a .300 BAA, a 64/45 strikeout to walk ratio, and a fastball topping at 88, the Phillies brass have decided to convert him to hitting.
↵Whether or not this is full time for the former first rounder out of Rice remains to be seen. But the pressure is fully on Joe to make himself relevant again in the prospect discussion.
↵If the switch is permanent, starting him at one of the lower levels may be a better idea to help get his swing back. However, he has to be put on the 40-man by next season or he can be claimed by another team. At this point, he’s not appealing enough to waste a spot on him.