Former Cincinnati Reds 2B Brandon Phillips makes a comeback to MLB

Cincinnati Reds’ fan favorite makes it back to the league after being called up for the Boston Red Sox. Following a long road back, “Dat Dude”, Brandon Phillips is looking to contribute on a deep postseason run.

Who could forget the flashy glove on defense, and the flashy smile of infielder Brandon Phillips on a summer night in Cincinnati? With the Cincinnati Reds, Phillips spent 11 seasons and became a household name in the Queen City.

From stolen bases, to glove flips, and base hits, Phillips manned second base during the ups and downs of the 2000’s. Phillips was the starting second baseman the last time the Reds reached the postseason in 2013.

His three-time All-Star selection, Silver Slugger award, and winning the Gold Glove 4 times has solidified Phillips as a successful addition to any roster. Battling injuries and seemingly regressing through his time in Cincy, the Reds ended the Phillips’ era and sent him to the Atlanta Braves.

A return home cut short

For the Braves, Phillips played with a sense of hometown pride following only the third Major League stop in his career. In 120 games, Phillips posted a .291 average with 11 home runs and 52 runs batted in.

That sweet homecoming didn’t last though, as Phillips was traded to the Los Angeles Angeles after waiving his no-trade clause. In only 24 games with the Angles, Phillips had 8 RBIs and only 2 home runs. Following the 2017 season, Phillips remained unsigned by a team for most of this current season.

Second chance in the minors

Phillips was given a second chance on June 27th when the Boston Red Sox signed Phillips to a minor league deal. After going much of the season without a team, his workouts could be seen all over social media, as he was ready for this moment.

In 44 games in the minors, he posted 26 RBIs with 5 home runs and had a .304 batting average. Spending most of his time with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox, Philips was a delight in the clubhouse and provided a veteran presence for young guys trying to make the league. This was part of what has brought him up in a playoff race in September.

Phillips joining the AL East-leaders

Today, Phillips will be called up as a part of the rosters expanding for the upcoming playoff push in October. On a team that has already had so much success, Phillips looks just to join and contribute in any way he can. Having played both his natural second base and even some third base at Pawtucket, those spots are due to be pretty crowded on the Major League roster.

If anything, Phillips can provide veteran depth at either position and hits especially well against left-handers. It shows how much a player like Phillips is committed to winning when someone as accomplished as he is, is willing to accept a supporting role.

Will we see the old Brandon Phillips?

Any Reds fan who watched Brandon Phillips razzle and dazzle on defense should appreciate the opportunity he is getting to be in the playoffs. It would be bittersweet to see Phillips win a World Series championship, but now we can watch Phillips return the masterful plays and magic that Cincinnati Reds fans remember fondly.

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He definitely battled the long road back, and it’s always possible for him to earn a contract and be back in baseball because baseball needs “Dat Dude”. The Red Sox take on Phillips former team, the Atlanta Braves, tonight at SunTrust Park.

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