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Phillies rumor: Club signs INF Phil Gosselin to minor league deal

By George Stockburger

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 16: Phil Gosselin #46 of the Cincinnati Reds makes a throw to first base during the eighth inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 16, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 16: Phil Gosselin #46 of the Cincinnati Reds makes a throw to first base during the eighth inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 16, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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The Phillies rumor of the day doesn’t involve a big bat

After introducing Andrew McCutchen on Tuesday the newest Phillies rumor points to the signing of an infielder.

No, it’s not Manny Machado or Mike Moustakas, but instead, Phil Gosselin, who NBCS Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury says has signed a minor league deal with the Phillies.

The 30-year-old Bryn Mawr, Pa native played 20 games for Cincinnati last year and could compete for a bench job in spring training.

In 276 career games, Gosselin is a .263 hitter for Cincinnati, Atlanta, Arizona, Pittsburgh, and Texas. He’s primarily played second base in his career, but has strong experience at third base. Gosselin has also appeared in 11 games at shortstop, 8 in the outfield, and 8 at first base.

Philadelphia’s bench is bare going into 2019 with several key backups being free agents. Justin Bour, Wilson Ramos, and Andres Blanco have each signed elsewhere and Jose Bautista isn’t expected to return.

Pedro Florimon was designated for assignment and assigned to Lehigh Valley after getting reps off the bench last year.

Scott Kingery, Andrew Knapp, and Aaron Altherr currently project to make up the Phillies bench.

Look for general manager Matt Klentak to add some more bench pieces this offseason after seeing several of his trade deadline additions leave this offseason. A new backup catcher would be preferred over Knapp and another infield glove would be fantastic.

Klentak will be focused on recruiting superstar Manny Machado on Thursday, who could take over at third base over Maikel Franco. It’s expected the Phillies would trade Franco if they add Machado.

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