From Dirt to Grass: Phillies Cross-Train Edmundo Sosa for Outfield Versatility
In today’s ever-evolving game of baseball, versatility has become one of the most valuable currencies a player can possess. It’s no longer just about excelling at a single position or even two. In a league driven by roster constraints, matchup strategies, and injury insurance, the ability to play multiple positions at a high level can extend careers and reshape rosters.
The Philadelphia Phillies have taken that principle to heart this season, turning heads with a quiet but strategic decision: cross-training veteran infielder Edmundo Sosa in the outfield. Though not a prospect in the traditional sense, Sosa is still a relatively young and dynamic player at 29, and the club sees him as a key figure in their push to add more flexibility to the roster without compromising defense.
What started as an experiment has now evolved into a focused developmental plan, with the Phillies grooming Sosa for a more hybrid role that could see him regularly shift between infield and outfield responsibilities.
Why the Shift? Context Behind the Cross-Training
The move comes amid a changing dynamic in Philadelphia’s depth chart. Several factors contributed to the decision:
- Injury setbacks: Bench contributor Weston Wilson suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain that sidelined him for six weeks. Meanwhile, Brandon Marsh was rehabbing from knee surgery and Johan Rojas has dealt with shoulder tightness—leaving the Phillies shorthanded in the outfield during crucial stretches.
- Roster competition: The Phillies’ bench is crowded with utility types. Roster spots are limited. Having a player like Sosa capable of fielding both ground balls at third and chasing fly balls in center gives the team more tactical options during games.
- Matchup advantage: Sosa has historically hit left-handed pitching well. In 2024, he posted a slash line of .284/.347/.514 against southpaws, making him a potential asset in late-game scenarios if the Phillies want to substitute him in for a lefty-hitting outfielder like Marsh.
Rather than wait for injuries or specific scenarios to force their hand, the Phillies are being proactive. Manager Rob Thomson and his coaching staff decided in spring training that Sosa would get daily outfield reps—specifically in left and center field—to prepare him for real in-game duties.
Sosa’s Attitude and Daily Routine
For Sosa, the transition is challenging but exciting.
“I start my day doing my regular infield routine,” Sosa told reporters during spring training. “Then I work in the outfield with Paco [Figueroa, Phillies’ outfield coach]. We’re working on reads, footwork, and getting comfortable with different angles.”
It’s not Sosa’s first exposure to the grass—he dabbled in outfield drills in previous spring camps—but this year, the coaching staff has made it a clear priority. Every morning, after taking grounders at short and third, he shifts to the outfield and goes through drills that include long-distance throwing, shagging fly balls, and mastering the footwork required for outfield positioning.
The work is hands-on and detailed. Figueroa has Sosa track balls off live bats, simulate relay throws, and communicate with other outfielders on coverage responsibilities.
“He’s got the athleticism,” said Figueroa. “Now it’s just about reps. We don’t need him to be a Gold Glover out there—we just need him to be solid, to make the routine plays, and to feel confident.”
Team Perspective: Strategic Value
Phillies bench coach Mike Calitri summed up the philosophy best:
“It’s not just about filling a need; it’s about giving ourselves options. Having a guy like Sosa who can plug in anywhere makes it easier for us to mix and match late in games or navigate injuries without scrambling.”
This flexibility gives the Phillies a true Swiss Army knife. With the current 26-man roster limitation, every spot is precious. Carrying a player who can serve as a backup shortstop, third baseman, and now potentially center fielder allows the team to carry an extra reliever or pinch-hitter.
It also makes it easier to give stars like Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, or Brandon Marsh a day off without sacrificing too much defensively.
Clubhouse Reaction and Veteran Support
Veterans on the team have expressed admiration for Sosa’s willingness to adapt.
“He’s a pro,” said Bryce Harper. “Not everyone would be open to changing like that mid-career, especially going from infield to outfield. But he’s putting in the work and helping the team however he can.”
This culture of adaptability is something the Phillies have tried to foster under president Dave Dombrowski. With a win-now mentality and a core of aging stars, the team needs contributors who can adjust on the fly and fill multiple roles as the season evolves.
The Learning Curve
Despite Sosa’s smooth transition thus far, there are still challenges.
Tracking fly balls in center field is very different from fielding grounders at third base. The angles are steeper, the distances longer, and decisions are made in split-seconds. Even simple tasks like calling off other fielders or reading a ball off the bat require instincts that take time to develop.
Sosa has had a few hiccups in spring games, including a misread that allowed an extra base runner. But Thomson and the staff view these as growing pains.
“He’s not going to be perfect overnight,” Thomson said. “What matters is that he’s committed and improving.”
Looking Ahead: Impact on the 2025 Season
As of June, Sosa has made several starts in the outfield, mostly in late-inning defensive alignments or spot starts against left-handed pitchers. His performance has been solid—no glaring errors, dependable coverage, and enough bat-to-ball skills to justify his inclusion in the lineup when needed.
If Marsh or Rojas suffer further injury setbacks—or if the Phillies opt to carry one fewer true outfielder on the playoff roster—Sosa could be a crucial part of that calculus.
There’s even a scenario where Sosa becomes a platoon partner for Marsh in left field down the stretch, especially if his offensive production against lefties continues to rise.
Long-Term Implications
The experiment with Sosa is just one piece of a broader organizational shift toward versatility:
- Top prospect Justin Crawford has been trained at all three outfield spots in Triple-A.
- Gabriel Rincones Jr. is also getting reps in both left and right fields.
- Johan Rojas, despite being a natural center fielder, has started games in left when the team needs an alignment shuffle.
This depth and cross-training philosophy could give the Phillies a leg up in the postseason, where matchups, double-switches, and flexibility often determine outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Edmundo Sosa’s transition from infielder to hybrid utility man may not dominate headlines, but it could be one of the Phillies’ most important under-the-radar moves in 2025. As the team eyes a deep playoff run, having a player who can field three infield positions and two outfield spots—while offering offensive value against left-handed pitchers—might prove invaluable.
It’s not just about making the team better on paper. It’s about creating layers of flexibility, strategic options, and safety nets. And in Sosa’s case, it’s about proving that adaptability, hustle, and humility can create a whole new lane in a veteran player’s career.
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