Infielder/outfielder Russell Branyan was acquired on Thursday by the Phillies, strengthening the team's bench by adding a lefty bat with power.
The team will give cash considerations for Branyan, who began the season with San Diego and hit .197 with seven homers and 19 RBIs in 61 games.
Released on July 28, he was signed by Cleveland on Aug. 7 and assigned to Triple-A Buffalo.
The 31-year-old has a career average of .229 with 118 homers and 293 RBIs in 688 games for Cleveland (1998-2002), Cincinnati (2002-03), Milwaukee (2004-05), Tampa Bay (2006) and San Diego (2006-07).
He has played at third base, left field, right field and first base. He has appeared in the postseason with Cleveland (2001, with manager Charlie Manuel) and San Diego (2006).
Phillies only hope that Branyan can provide some pop off the bench late in games.
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