The Phillies made a significant move this week by securing a one-year deal with outfielder/second baseman Whit Merrifield, pending a physical.
However, they haven’t stopped there, bolstering their roster with minor-league acquisitions following the arrival of pitchers and catchers at spring training.
Among these additions are outfielder David Dahl, a former All-Star and first-round pick by the Rockies, and Ricardo Pinto, a pitcher who impressed during the recent Caribbean Series in Miami. Dahl, 29, initially showed promise with the Rockies but faced setbacks due to injuries, resulting in limited playing time.
Despite signing with multiple teams in recent years, Dahl has primarily performed at Triple A, showcasing potential with a .300 batting average and power. The Phillies’ move to bring him in as a depth outfielder is a calculated risk, reminiscent of the successful low-risk signing of Jayson Werth in the past.
Dahl, who is out of minor-league options, joins Phillies reserve outfielders Jake Cave and Cristian Pache in a competition for a spot on the four-man bench, alongside Merrifield, Edmundo Sosa, and Garrett Stubbs.
On the pitching front, the Phillies have also reacquired Ricardo Pinto, a 30-year-old right-hander from Venezuela. Initially signed in 2011, Pinto pitched in the Phillies’ minor-league system from 2012-17, with a less impressive stint in the majors during the latter year. His recent standout performance in the Caribbean Series, where he allowed only one run in 10⅔ innings with 14 strikeouts, earned him the MVP title, leading Venezuela to its first championship in 15 years.
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