Phils’ Brown on thin ice
Domonic Brown hit 23 homers in the first half last year, played in the All-Star game and showed why the Philadelphia Phillies considered him an untouchable prospect.
Now they’re waiting for him to do it again.
Brown has struggled this season at the plate and in the outfield. Fans are running out of patience, giving him an earful of boos this week. The organization might be tired of waiting, too. The addition of three-time All-Star Grady Sizemore, who signed a minor league deal earlier this week, could mean Brown might be losing his starting job soon.
Brown wasn’t in the starting lineup for the second straight night Friday when the Phillies opened a four-game series against Atlanta.
Brown is batting .217 with five HRs and 38 RBIs. He has just 17 extra-base hits and his slugging percentage (.321) is seventh-worst in MLB.
“He’s really developed an uppercut swing,” manager Ryne Sandberg said. “He’s missing his pitches and it puts him in the hole a lot of at-bats.”
Brown has also been a liability in the outfield throughout his young career. He misplayed a liner that led to three runs in a 3-2 loss to Miami on Wednesday.
Brown had just six homers and 26 RBIs over the final three months last season. The first three months this year have been worse for him.
“I definitely feel confident,” Brown said.
If that confidence doesn’t translate into production, Brown might end up in Triple-A.
Saunders activated
Mariners outfielder Michael Saunders was activated from the 15-day disabled list following a brief rehab stint in the minors. He had been on the disabled list since June 11 with joint inflammation in his right shoulder.
The commissioner’s office also announced that Seattle minor league outfielders Jamal Austin and Jabari Blash have been suspended 50 games each for drug violations.
Clearing the bases
The Angels acquired veteran Jason Grilli from Pittsburgh for fellow reliever Ernesto Frieri. … Jurors adjourned for the weekend without reaching a verdict in a trial to determine fault for the beating of a Giants fan following a game at Dodger Stadium three years ago that left former paramedic Bryan Stow severely disabled.