Phillies Notes: News on Lee, Aumont, Martin and Phillies Sign Former All-Star Jason Marquis

The Phillies have signed former all-star pitcher Jason Marquis to a minor league contract.

Marquis, 35, a 2009 all-star while pitching for the Colorado Rockies, is currently making his way back from Tommy John surgery last August.

He'll report to extended spring training Wednesday and could serve as depth for the starting rotation if he continues to make progress in his rehab.

During his 14 year big league career, Marquis is 121-114 with a 4.56 ERA.  In seven career games at Citizens Bank Park, Marquis is 1-5 with 8.38 ERA.

One has to wonder what the Phillies would be doing bringing Marquis into the fold, at 35, you would think they would be looking to get younger in their rotation.  It's not like the Phillies are in the thick of a pennant race and could use a veteran presence in their rotation.

Notes

• The Phillies announced that Ethan Martin, acquired in a 2012 deal involving Shane Victoriono, has called up from AAA. To make room for Martin, the team sent Phillippe Aumont back to AAA after giving up four runs over two appearances against the Mets on Sunday and Monday.  You have to wonder if this is the final blow for Aumont, the centerpiece of the Cliff Lee deal.

• Cliff Lee (elbow) is hopeful that he can begin a throwing program on the road with the Phillies this week.  Lee, who's been on the DL with a strained elbow since May 19, said he's still feeling some discomfort.

"It's still there a little bit," Lee said Monday, but "it's getting better."