Phillies convert former pitcher Joe Savery to hitter

Phillies former first round draft pick Joe Savery is hitting and playing first baseman in the Phillies Instructional League. Savery, who was drafted out of Rice in 2007 after going 11-1 with a 2.99 ERA in 18 starts, has slowly seen his pitching numbers fall over the past few seasons. 

This past season in Triple-A, Savery went 1-12 with a 4.66 ERA in 28 appearances. On the bright side, he did hit .348 with a home run in 46 at-bats. 

"That's the great thing about hitting and fielding, you get the next chance the next day," Savery said. "And you get way more reps. I am a little tired, but I have to get back in the swing of things, and I'm not used to doing that."

Savery may be demoted to High-A next season to adjust as a hitter full-time, but could easily finish the year in Double-A, if not Triple-A if he can make a smooth transition.

He was a number three hitter back in the day.