Phillies Release Laynce Nix

AUGUST 12: Nix was released by the Phillies, according to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link).

AUGUST 6: The Phillies have designated outfielder/first baseman Laynce Nix for assignment, activating left fielder Domonic Brown from the seven-day concussion DL.

Nix, 32, is batting .180/.228/.258 in 136 plate appearances this year.  The Phillies signed Nix to a two-year, $2.5MM deal in December 2011, hoping for a powerful left-handed hitting reserve to use against right-handed pitching.  Nix, older brother of Yankees infielder Jayson, was drafted in the fourth round by the Rangers in 2000.  Three quality big leaguers were picked earlier in that round: David DeJesus by the Royals, Cliff Lee by the Expos, and Yadier Molina by the Cardinals.