The Phillies have cleared up a spot for the extra right-handed batter they'd been searching for all winter.

The team made a surprising move, releasing veteran outfielder Geoff Jenkins Tuesday afternoon. The Phillies, who signed Jenkins to a two-year, $13 million deal just last offseason, owe Jenkins $6.75 million for 2009.

Barring a trade or last-minute signing, Miguel Cairo will likely replace Jenkins on the bench, giving the team a right-handed bat to go alongside Eric Bruntlett.

Jenkins, who played 10 seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers before arriving in Philly, hit .246 with nine home runs and 29 RBIs in 115 games in his first and only season with the Phillies. As Jenkins struggled early last season, Jayson Werth emerged as the team's everyday right fielder.

I spoke with Jenkins, who admitted he could see the writing on the wall with the log jam of left-handed hitting reserves (himself, Matt Stairs and Greg Dobbs). I'm still waiting to talk with general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

There does, however, feel like there's another shoe to drop. I don't have any reasoning other than the vibe in the ballpark right now.

If you're into putting two and two together, another veteran, right-handed hitter outfielder was released today: Detroit let go Gary Sheffield. But this is pure speculation on my part, I'm not sure Sheffield has the right, shall I say, makeup issues, that the Phillies talked about when they signed Raul Ibanez.

Here is today's lineup:

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Jayson Werth, RF
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Raul Ibanez, LF
6. Shane Victorino, CF
7. Pedro Feliz, 3B
8. Chris Coste, C
9. Brett Myers, P