Phillies Add Five Time All Star (and Right Handed Bat) Mike Sweeney

Are you a Phillie Phantic?

[Written by, David J. Miller]

The Seattle Mariners sent first baseman Mike Sweeney to the Philadelphia Phillies today for cash or future considerations.

With Ryan Howard recently placed on the 15 day DL, the Phillies were in need of someone to play first base.

Even better, Sweeney, a five time all-star in the American League, gives the Phillies another right handed bat. Sweeney had been playing in AAA ball while he rehabbed a back injury.

Currently the Phillies have all-stars Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, and Ryan Howard on the DL. However, they have continued to win and sit just two games behind the Braves for first place in the NL East.

The addition of Sweeney gives the Phillies another option at first base (aside from Ross Gload, Greg Dobbs, and Cody Ransom) as well as another option for a pinch-hitter with some pop from the right side of the plate.

The Phillies return home this weekend from Miami to face the Mets, followed by a visit from the Los Angeles Dodgers (who the Phillies faced and beat the last two post-seasons).

Recent addition Roy Oswalt takes the mound tomorrow night for the Phillies in their final game of this series vs. the Marlins.