Could Sosa be Phillies' superutility threat in '23?

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Day by day, things are feeling more natural for Edmundo Sosa, the flashy Phillies utility infielder who is making himself even more valuable by learning how to play the outfield.

The Phillies are seeking a right-handed batter to serve as Brandon Marsh’s backup in center field, and Sosa could be a prime candidate. Acquired from the Cardinals at last year's Trade Deadline, Sosa distinguished himself in 2022 as a slick-fielding asset at shortstop and third base.

After Matt Vierling was traded to the Tigers during the offseason, Phillies manager Rob Thomson approached Sosa with the plan to utilize his athleticism and instincts in the outfield. The player was more than agreeable.

“I’m not going to lie to you: At first, I felt uncomfortable out there,’’ Sosa said Friday at BayCare Ballpark, through team interpreter Diego Ettedgui. “But I’ve been working really hard, especially the last five days. I’ve been putting in a lot of work.

“So now I am gaining confidence running after balls, tracking them, all that stuff. I feel really good about it, because it is progressing well.’’

Thomson said he feels that way, too.

“I’m more concerned about getting him comfortable right now,’’ Thomson said. “I ask every day, and he keeps telling me every day he feels a little more comfortable. I think he’s going to be fine.

“I [anticipate using him] to get Brandon off his feet. And if he’s really good at it, there could be a time when you get [Kyle] Schwarber a DH spot. It’s up to him.’’

Sosa, a native of Panama, spends part of each day working with outfield/first-base coach Paco Figueroa, learning the subtleties of roaming in center. Sosa’s only outfield experience came last season, when he played three innings of mop-up duty in left.

“It’s a lot more than running after the ball,’’ Sosa said. “It helps to be fast and cover a lot of ground, of course. But knowing the correct angle is very important, how you catch the ball and throw to the correct base, and knowing how to go back and play it off the wall. Once you get that down, I think it will become simple."

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Sosa still has his favorite infielder’s glove, but he has inherited a new one -- “a much larger glove,’’ he said with a smile -- that will help with his new responsibilities.

With a steep learning curve, there will be mistakes.

“It doesn’t really concern me if I make an error in the outfield [while learning the position,] because that’s going to happen, but I am ready for the challenge,’’ Sosa said. “It is a personal challenge of mine. I want to be good. I’m working hard, and I have confidence in myself, so I know that it’s going to work.’’

Sosa, who turns 27 on March 6, said much of his confidence has been fueled by the professional approach of Thomson and the Phillies.

“From Day 1 since I came over here from the Cardinals, they have shown me a lot of respect,’’ Sosa said. “[Thomson] has been very communicative with me. We always talk things out. He gives me my space and lets me be myself.

“So when he approached me with this [outfield] opportunity, I felt there was a lot of respect on both ends. I was very receptive to it, because I’m thinking of my playing time and I want to play as much as possible. If there’s an opportunity to play in the outfield, that means more at-bats and more playing time. I trust in myself enough to know that I can do it, because I will put in the work.’’

Sosa said he expects he won't be thrown into the fire immediately. But when his comfort level is appropriate, he’ll get a shot, whether it’s in Grapefruit League games or Minor League outings.

“We’re trying to get him under control and get his legs underneath him on the infield,’’ Thomson said. “At the same time, get him to the point where he’s going to feel really comfortable in the outfield.’’

Regardless of how he is utilized, Sosa said he will be prepared.

“Shortstop is my natural position, where I’ve been playing my whole life,’’ Sosa said. “But I know that every position is important. I actually feel lucky that I’m able to play second base, shortstop, third base and now outfield. I say that with a lot of pride, because it’s not easy to play multiple positions. But if it gives me more playing time and helps the Phillies to win, I love it.’’