At one point in his career, Logan Morrison was set to become the next big thing in baseball power hitters. As a 23-year old, he hit 23 home runs with the Marlins in 2011, which would sit as his career-high until 2017. In what seemed to be a comeback season with the Rays, Morrison hit 38 home runs for Tampa Bay in 2017, driving in 85 on the season. He followed that up with a 15 home run season last year with the Twins, hitting just .182 in 95 games.
Now, Morrison returns to the majors with the Phillies after signing on with the organization on a minor league contract last month. Morrison opened the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, after signing a minor league deal with the Yankees during the offseason. In early July, Morrison opted out of his contract with the Yankees and a week later signed with the Phillies, also on a minor league deal.
At Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Morrison played in 18 games and hit 3-12-.356/.435/.593, playing both in the outfield and at first base for the IronPigs. Those numbers prompted the Phillies to purchase Morrison’s contract to take the roster spot of Jake Arrieta, who was placed on the IL on Wednesday. To make room for Morrison on the 40-man roster, the Phillies moved Jerad Eickhoff to the 60-day IL. Eickhoff is currently pitching on a rehab assignment with Lehigh Valley in hopes of returning to the Phillies at some point yet this season.
Morrison will be in Philadelphia and eligible to play tonight against the Cubs.
In 10 MLB seasons, Morrison has hit a combined 137-421-.239/.325/.427 with the Marlins, Mariners, Rays and Twins.