CLEARWATER, Fla.The Phillies added some middle-infield depth to their system with the signing of 27-year-old Andres Blanco.
Blanco, who has appeared in 235 big-league games with the Royals, Cubs and Rangers, was released by Washington earlier this week. He had been in Nationals camp as a non-roster player.
Blanco has played shortstop, second base, third base and right field in the majors. He will report to minor-league camp and is expected to add depth to the Triple-A roster.
The Phils have been looking for infield depth for some time. Second baseman Chase Utley will open the season on the disabled list, and Freddy Galvis, who had been slated to be the shortstop at Triple-A, will open as the starting second baseman on the major-league club.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com