LAKELAND, Fla. -- Are the Phillies looking to make a little spring-training trade?
One has to wonder after looking at their lineup the last few days.
Veteran catcher Ryan Hanigan, who is in camp on a minor-league contract, started behind the plate on Sunday and again on Tuesday. (The Phillies were off Monday.) Both games were against the Detroit Tigers, who are looking to add catching depth.
Hanigan batted ninth in Sunday's game against the Tigers and had two hits and a walk.
On Tuesday, in what may have been a showcase, Hanigan batted second in the lineup. He responded with a base hit against Justin Verlander in the first inning and later drove home a run with a sacrifice fly.
Hanigan, 36, has played 10 seasons in the majors with Cincinnati, Tampa Bay and Boston. The Phillies signed him about three weeks before spring training began.
Philadelphia Phillies
Complete coverage of the Fightin' Phils and their MLB rivals from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The Phillies have catching depth. Cameron Rupp is the starter, and there are several candidates in competition for the backup job. Prospect Andrew Knapp is getting a look for the role. The club signed 29-year-old Bryan Holaday, who has played in the majors with Detroit, Texas and Boston, in December to compete for the position as well. He belted a two-run homer in Tuesday's game. Logan Moore and Hanigan are also in the mix for the backup job.
Could Hanigan soon be in the mix for another club?
Stay tuned. It sure looks as if the Phils have been showcasing him to the Tigers.
