Darin Ruf, Ethan Martin Getting Closer to a Return

Two Phillies could closer to helping out the big club.

Right handed pitcher Ethan Martin and first baseman/outfielder Darin Ruf have both had their rehab assignments transferred to Lehigh Valley (AAA) and both will be available today.

Ruf strained his left oblique near the end of spring training, Martin strained his right shoulder in his first appearance during spring training.

Martin has pitched in three games for class A Clearwater, posting a 0.00 ERA and three walks, no strikeouts in 2.2 innings of work.  In three games in Clearwater for Ruf, he has three hits in 12 at-bats.

When they return, Ruf could be a useful right-handed option of the bench and to give Ryan Howard the day off against tough left-handed pitching.  Having Ruf back could also mean manager Ryne Sandberg could use Ruf in right field on some days with Marlon Byrd shifting over to center.

Martin could give the Phillies bullpen a lift.  The young righty has a power arm and an electric fastball that could work well in the seventh or eighth inning.