Phillies invite 4 players to spring training

Florimon, Gomez, and Nava could play themselves into reserve roles. The Phillies bullpen is thin on lefthanders, and Burnett will have a chance to make the team. All four were signed to minor-league contracts.

Nava, who will turn 34 in spring training, has the most major-league experience of the three position players. He is a career .262 hitter over 1,518 at-bats. He spent most of his career in Boston before moving to Tampa Bay, Kansas City, and the Los Angeles Angels for the last two years. He could be an extra outfielder and pinch hitter. The switch hitter also can play first base, which would provide a needed backup for Tommy Joseph.

Burnett, 34, spent most of last season in triple A with four organizations. The lefthanded reliever spent parts of nine seasons in the majors. He had a 2.28 ERA in 47 1/3 triple-A innings. Burnett struck out 32 and walked 14. He spent last spring training on a minor-league deal with Washington but did not make the team after tossing nine scoreless outings.

The Phillies still need a backup infielder, but that job might go to Andres Blanco, who remains a free agent. Florimon, 30, has batted .200 in 671 major-league at-bats over parts of six seasons. The switch hitter plays shortstop and second base.

Gomez will turn 29 during spring training and has just 153 major-league at-bats. He played 115 games last season in the Korean Baseball Organization and batted .283 with a .362 on-base percentage and 21 homers. The righthanded batter plays second and third base.