FORT MYERS, Fla.Journeyman Hector Luna is still a candidate for a job on the Phillies bench. There are two pieces of evidence that support this: One, hes still in camp. And two, Charlie Manuel can recite his career statistics almost to a T.
When you check out his numbers, theyre pretty good for a part-time player, Manuel said Wednesday.
The Phils skipper then rattled off Lunas career numbers, including 86 RBIs in 732 at-bats with four teams over six seasons. (Manuel admitted to looking up Lunas numbers.)
Luna had three hits, including his third spring homer, in an 11-7 loss to Minnesota on Wednesday. He is hitting .286 with nine RBIs and a .896 OPS in 24 games.
Hes hit very well this spring, Manuel said.
Luna is primarily a corner infielder and has recently gotten a look in left field. He will play there again in a minor-league game on Thursday. Though the Phillies are looking to add middle-infield depth in a trade, Luna could be in play for a roster spot.
Weve got two shortstops with Jimmy Rollins and Freddy Galvis and third baseman Placido Polanco can play second, Manuel said. Weve got some arguments about what we can do with the final bench positions.
Worley not worried
Vance Worley was knocked around for 11 hits and 11 runs (six were unearned) over four innings in the loss to Minnesota. He blamed poor location for his problems, but was able to keep things in perspective.
MLB
Its spring training, the righthander said. Im not going to worry about it.
Worley had previously allowed just five runs in 16 innings this spring.
Besides today, everything has been good this spring, he said.
Worleys next start will be in a minor-league game as he prepares to start the third game of the regular season on April 8 in Pittsburgh.
This and that
The Phillies signed veteran infielder Joe Thurston, who was released by Houston. He will report to minor-league camp and is expected to add organizational depth.
Second baseman Freddy Galvis did not play Wednesday. He fouled a ball off his left foot on Tuesday and his nursing a bruise. Team doctors said an X-ray was not needed. Galvis may get another day off Thursday, Manuel said.
Cole Hamels starts against Tampa Bays Jeremy Hellickson in Clearwater on Thursday afternoon.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com.