Arraez Joins Phillies, Thanks Harper For Position Move

Three-time batting champion Luis Arraez expressed excitement about joining the Phillies and being in a playoff race. "I was surprised, but I'm really excited to be here," Arraez said before batting in the cleanup spot behind Harper. The NL's top hitter at .324 with just 21 strikeouts in 464 plate appearances, Arraez's acquisition required Philadelphia to make several defensive changes.

Harper, a two-time MVP, consented to move back to right field from first base to help the team. "That's a pro," Arraez said of Harper. The defensive shuffle also sees Alec Bohm move from third to first, and Bryson Stott shift from second to third. Despite batting cleanup, Arraez plans to maintain his contact-hitting style. "It's not my game," he said. "If I change it, I'll be in my house watching the guys play baseball." tbzikra.org