NEW YORK (Kyodo) The Philadelphia Phillies on Friday announced the acquisition of Japanese infielder Tadahito Iguchi, who was released by the San Diego Padres earlier this week.
Iguchi will report Saturday in New York, where the second-place Phillies are playing a three-game series from Friday against the National League East-leading New York Mets.
Last year, Iguchi helped the Phillies to the NL East title as he filled the void left by injured second baseman Chase Utley. He joined the team in a late July trade with the Chicago White Sox and hit .304 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 45 games.
"The Phillies contacted me right away. I know the team, so I'll be comfortable. I look forward to being part of a division title race," Iguchi told Kyodo News.