Phillies Cut Ties with 3-Team MLB Veteran, Ending Remarkably Short Stint

Over the past week or so, most Philadelphia Phillies players were shifting their attention toward the postseason, but one veteran was simply trying to secure his spot on the roster.

Infielder Donovan Walton joined the Phillies in early July through a cash trade with their rivals, the New York Mets. However, he spent his first two months with the team in Triple-A. After finally being called up to the majors on September 8, Walton hoped to earn playing time and make the postseason roster.

Unfortunately, he didn’t get much of a chance to prove himself. Unless something unexpected happens, Wednesday’s developments have likely ended his chances of staying with the team through October.

The Phillies announced on Wednesday that Walton was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for infielder Edmundo Sosa, who was coming off the 10-day injured list with a right groin strain. Walton had already been on the roster for several days before Sosa was placed on the IL.

Although Walton was on the major league roster for 16 days, he only played in two games, recording one hit in eight at-bats, along with a strikeout, an RBI, and a run scored. His last appearance was on September 13.

It’s doubtful any other team will claim Walton since he has no minor-league options left and wouldn’t be eligible for another team’s playoff roster. Most likely, the Phillies will either send him back to Triple-A as emergency depth or release him.

In his six-year MLB career, Walton has played for the Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, and Phillies. This year marks the third straight season he has appeared in fewer than 10 major league games. At 31 years old, it’s uncertain if any team will see untapped potential in him.

While the Phillies gear up for what they hope will be a deep playoff run, Walton’s time with the team appears to be over, at least for this season.