Laynce Nix will start at first base against Pirates' right-hander James McDonald on Saturday. The Phillies are looking for more production from their lineup after going a combined 1-for-14 against Erik Bedard on Thursday. Nix will hit fifth in the order. John Mayberry Jr. will start in left field and bat sixth.

Laynce Nix went 0-for-3 on Friday and remained stuck one one RBI for the spring. It looks like Nix will occupy a bench role with Ty Wigginton starting at first base and John Mayberry Jr. played left field early on. And, really, if he's not going to be good enough to start against righties with Ryan Howard out, one wonders why the Phillies signed him in the first place.

Laynce Nix (ribs) felt "pretty good" after taking five at-bats during a minor league game Saturday. Nix isn't in Sunday's lineup but is expected to return soon. He's been nursing a rib injury for about a week, but it's not a big deal. The veteran bench player has also had hamstring issues during camp.

Laynce Nix (ribs) was scratched from Thursday's lineup against the Rays. Nix suffered bruised ribs on a play at home plate Monday and still isn't ready to return to the lineup. Brent Clevlen will replace him in left field.

Laynce Nix bruised a rib on a play at home plate Monday and will be sidelined a few days. Nix also missed action earlier this spring due to a tight hamstring. The 31-year-old has four singles and five walks in 23 Grapefruit League plate appearances.

Laynce Nix is dealing with tightness in his hamstring that's keeping him from playing the outfield early on in camp. The Phillies insist it's only mild tightness, but Nix will be limited to pinch-hitting and designated hitter roles for the time being. "He could play, but I don't want him to play just yet," manager Charlie Manuel said. The veteran bench player should be able to get in some time in the outfield and at first base before long.

Phillies signed OF Laynce Nix to a two-year, $2.5 million contract. Nix agreed to the deal on Sunday and it was finalized on Monday. The 31-year-old slugged 16 home runs in just 350 plate appearances this past year for the Nationals and will make a nice left-handed pinch-hitter in Philly.

The Phillies have reached a two-year contract agreement with free agent outfielder Laynce Nix, according to Jim Salsbury of CSNphilly.com. The deal is pending a physical. The 31-year-old outfielder posted a .250/.299/.451 slash line in 351 plate appearances for the Nationals last season. He has big-time power against right-handed pitching but doesn't get on base much and can't hit a lick against southpaws (.506 career OPS). All in all, he should be a decent bat bench and offer the Phillies some lineup versatility.

According to Amanda Comak of the Washington Times, the Nationals and Laynce Nix have exchanged figures about a new contract. Nix joined the Nationals on a minor league contract in February. The 30-year-old outfielder is batting .251/.300/.452 with 16 homers, 44 RBI and a .752 OPS over 350 plate appearances this season. Teammates Rick Ankiel and Jonny Gomes have also expressed interest in returning to the Nationals next season.

Laynce Nix sprinted Friday for the first time since injuring his groin. Nix has been limited to pinch-hitting duty since injuring the groin on September 1, but he thinks he'll be available to start "in the next few days." The outfielder is batting .255/.302/.467 with 16 homers this season.