Philadelphia Phillies: 3 best DH options for shortened season

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 26: Jay Bruce #23 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting the game winning double in the 10th inning to beat the New York Mets 5-4 during a baseball game at Citizens Bank Park on June 26, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Neil Walker #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Boston Red Sox during a Grapefruit League spring training game at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 27, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

6. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Neil Walker. DH. 3. player. 2B

At this point, why not?

Neil Walker signed a minor league contract with the Phillies back in January. Even with the underwhelming performances in a small sample size of spring training games, Walker looks to be a shoo-in to make the roster. What he offers manager Girardi is the sheer versatility to play a trio of infield positions.

With Scott Kingery and Jean Segura moving into the second and third base positions respectively, Walker will have to earn playing time off the bench or also as a designated hitter. While he may not be the superb hitting second baseman that he once was with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Walker can still be a viable hitter in reaching base. He also posted a .282 average with runners in scoring position last season while with the Miami Marlins. The switch hitter is streaky at the plate, which comes with both its upsides and downsides — just ask the Phillies.

Walker is nowhere close to fitting the exact profile of being a stout designated hitter, from racking up home runs to launching hard hits to the outfield. But with his ability to make contact at a moderate rate, Girardi surely can rely on Walker to take up some playing time as the DH.

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