Venable signs with Phillies, a day after Indians release him

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) The Philadelphia Phillies have signed outfielder Will Venable to a minor league contract, a day after he was released by the Cleveland Indians.

Venable's deal Monday included an invite to major league camp. He was expected to play Tuesday against the New York Yankees.

''We'll just see what we've got,'' Philadelphia manager Pete Mackanin said. ''We're anxious to see what he looks like. I've seen him the past ... I know he's a good outfielder, he's got power, and he can run. We'll just give him three or four games to see what he looks like.''

Venable signed a week before the Phillies open the season. They lost right fielder Aaron Altherr for up to six months with a wrist injury and left fielder Cody Asche is set to begin the season on the disabled list with a right oblique strain.

The 33-year-old Venable hit .244 with six home runs in 135 games with San Diego and Texas last season.

Venable asked for his release from Cleveland after being told he wouldn't make the opening day roster.