Tad Iguchi rejoins the Phillies after playing with San Diego during most of the season.

He’s expected to join the Phillies before Saturday’s game against the Mets, though he’s ineligible to appear in the postseason.

Iguchi appeared in 77 games at San Diego this season, batting .231 with two homers and 24 RBIs. He was released by the Padres to make room for top prospect Matt Antonelli.

The right-handed batter was first acquired by the Phillies on July 27, 2007, for Minor League pitcher Michael Dubee. He batted .301 in 27 games as a starter, and .304 overall.

The Phillies pursued Iguchi this winter, offering him the chance to play third base, but he signed to San Diego for two reasons: to be closer to Japan, and to play second base.

The Los Angeles Times, citing Iguchi’s agent, Rocky Hall, reported on Friday that the Dodgers and Phillies had inquired about Iguchi. He’ll be used as a pinch-hitter. (H/T Phillies.com)

All I’m going to say about Tad’s return to the team is this. He’s has to be a better pinch hitter than So Taguchi is. He just has to be.