The Phillies have signed Ryan McKenna to a minor league contract, reviews Matt Gelb of The Athletic. The outfielder was not too long ago launched by the Giants, who claimed him off of waivers from the Orioles in Could. He’ll report back to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
McKenna, 27, made his MLB debut with the Orioles in 2021, six years after the crew chosen him within the fourth spherical of the 2015 draft. Throughout 284 video games and 508 plate appearances with Baltimore from 2021-23, McKenna slashed .221/.299/.318 with a 75 wRC+. Whereas his bat was underwhelming, he stole eight bases on 9 makes an attempt due to well-above-average dash velocity. He additionally supplied 7 OAA together with his glove whereas spending time in any respect three outfield positions. In the end, nevertheless, he might by no means safe a full-time place with the large league membership, and the Orioles shuttled him forwards and backwards between Baltimore and Triple-A Norfolk a number of instances annually.
Out of choices in 2024, McKenna was designated for project on Opening Day and despatched outright again to the Norfolk Tides. The Orioles chosen his contract lower than a month later, however regardless of his spectacular efficiency in a quick stint with the membership (3-for-8 with two dwelling runs), he was DFA’d once more in mid-Could. The Giants claimed him off of waivers, however his cup of espresso with San Francisco wasn’t practically as productive; McKenna went o-for-6 over 4 video games earlier than the Giants, too, designated him for project. This time, nevertheless, he handed by means of waivers and accepted an outright project to Triple-A. Sadly, issues continued to go downhill for McKenna after that. He missed a while with an harm, and when he was wholesome, he hit simply .227/.308/.348 with a 62 wRC+ for the Sacramento River Cats. He performed his final sport within the group on August 1.
McKenna will present the Phillies with a little bit of further outfield depth at Triple-A. His capacity to play all three outfield positions might make him an asset on the bench in case of an harm.
