SAN DIEGO -- Jay Bruce is excited to join the Phillies because he believes they have a chance to make the postseason. His 3-year-old son is excited to come to Philadelphia because he wants to meet the Phanatic.

Everybody has their priorities. The Bruce family is no different.

"These guys are obviously playing well and playing meaningful baseball and that's what I want to be a part of and do what I can to help," Bruce said Monday afternoon at Petco Park. "Be a big part of this and not the rock the boat. Slide right in and carry on."

The Phillies acquired Bruce and cash from the Mariners on Sunday for Class A infielder/outfielder Jake Scheiner. The Phillies wanted him because they are short in the outfield with Odubel Herrera on administrative leave, Roman Quinn and Dylan Cozens injured and Aaron Altherr no longer with the organization after being designated for assignment last month.

Bruce is expected to play a lot in left field, although Sean Rodriguez started in left field Monday against Padres left-hander Eric Lauer. He took over in left after Andrew McCutchen left the game with an injury in the first inning, with Rodriguez sliding over to center. When Bruce does not start, the Phillies hope he can hit a home run or two coming off the bench.

"I just want to play as much as I can and be the biggest part of this thing that I can be," Bruce said. "Just make an impact and whatever impact that ends up being, that's what it is. But I definitely feel still I can be a big part of a team and make a big difference."

Bruce, 32, entered Monday batting .212 with 14 home runs, 28 RBIs, a .533 slugging percentage and an .816 OPS.

"He believes and I believe that he has the capability to play regularly and contribute regularly," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said. "And that we both understand that performance dictates opportunity."

Bruce has two memorable moments in Philadelphia. He was the only player to reach base against Roy Halladay when he threw a no-hitter in Game 1 of the 2010 National League Division Series against the Reds. He also lost a ball in the lights in right field, allowing two runs to score in Game 2.

The Reds got swept in the five-game series.

"It was a can of corn," Bruce said.

Extra bases

• Right-hander Tommy Hunter will throw a bullpen session Tuesday. He will fly to Florida on Wednesday to continue his recovery from a strained right forearm. He is scheduled to throw a live batting practice June 10.

• Roman Quinn (strained right groin) will have five at-bats and play in the field in an extended spring game in Clearwater, Fla. Quinn is hitting exclusively from the right side of the plate, after switch-hitting for most of his professional baseball career.

• Edubray Ramos (right biceps tendinitis) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday.