Phillies Roster Moves: Bonifacio recalled, Mickey Moniak left in Lehigh Valley…?
Before yesterday’s 4-3 win against the San Diego Padres, the Philadelphia Phillies made a roster move, as Mauricio Llovera was designated for assignment. With that move, the Phillies also selected outfielder Jorge Bonifacio’s contract from Triple A Lehigh Valley, which I thought was a rather puzzling move from the Phillies.
This isn’t a slight against Bonifacio. He has appeared in 49 games for the Reading Fightin Phils this season and 22 games for Triple A Lehigh Valley. The 28-year old slashed .321/.432/.564/.996 with three home runs and 13 RBI with the IronPigs. They are solid numbers and for a Phillies team that continues to struggle in remaining consistent from the plate, they definitely could use another hot bat from the minor leagues.
My only issue, is that you still have your 2016 first overall draft pick in Mickey Moniak sitting in Lehigh Valley. Moniak is slashing .250/.302/.467/.769 in the minor leagues this season with 12 home runs and 55 RBI. Mickey Moniak had an incredible month of July in the minor leagues. He had an 11-game hitting streak and had hits in 17 of his last 19 games in July. Moniak’s 1.039 OPS included 15 extra-base hits and 19 RBIs. Three weeks ago over 33 games, Moniak had 21 extra base hits and 29 RBIs.
More recently, in an 8-4 loss to Rochester, Mickey Moniak went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.
Bonifacio went 0-for-3 last night starting in centerfield for the Phillies. Maybe he can get things going in the Phillies centerfield slot as Odubel Herrera deals with an injury and Travis Jankowski continues to prove that he’s not a reliable starter. However, I would much rather see what we have with Mickey Moniak than 28-year old Bonifacio.
I’m not sure where this move comes from. In the past, Girardi and the Phillies organization stated that they see Moniak more as a corner outfielder rather than a centerfielder. Moniak responded to those comments adamantly disagreeing with Phillies management. Since then, he really picked up his game for the IronPigs. If that’s the reason then god help us, because the Phillies are still mismanaging their farm system.
Moniak was however, recalled on August 10th to join the Phillies then optioned on August 14th. Because of that, the Phillies could not bring Moniak up yesterday, and would really have to wait until Tuesday until they have the option to do so. Moving Moniak up and down can’t be looked at as a positive. He needs to get comfortable in one place, which he has in his time with the IronPigs.
Regardless, the Phillies are four games back in the NL East and the Wild Card. They will play the Padres tonight. Aaron Nola is on the mound facing Joe Musgrove.
[…] was only six days of that window at the time. This time, however, there was plenty of reason that Mickey Moniak should be recalled. Why is he not joining us rather than Jorge Bonifacio? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe […]