The Philadelphia Phillies plan to convert third baseman Cody Asche into a left fielder and are sending him to Triple-A to learn the new position.
The 24-year-old Asche has started at third base for the Phillies since midway through the 2013 season, but the team is likely making room to eventually call up 22-year-old prospect Maikel Franco from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Until that time, the Phillies are expected to use Cesar Hernandez and Andres Blanco at third base. Asche has never played the outfield during his professional career.
In 30 games this year for the Phillies, Asche is batting .245 with two home runs and four RBIs. Since he was called up to the major leagues during the 2013 season, Asche is batting .247 with 15 homers and 68 RBIs in 171 games.