One day after releasing Luis Castillo, the Phillies have signed infielder Ronnie Belliard to a minor league contract, reports Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. He’ll report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Belliard, who turns 36 next week, was released by the Yankees earlier this week after batting just .136 with one double and one RBI over 22 at-bats as a non-roster invitee this spring. He batted just .216/.295/.327 with two homers, 19 RBI and a .622 OPS over 185 plate appearances with the Dodgers last season before being designated for assignment in early September.
The Phillies could certainly use the depth for their infield given Chase Utley’s knee injury and the recent scare with Placido Polanco’s surgically-repaired left elbow, but if Belliard plays even semi-regularly this season, chances are things aren’t going according to plan.