Phillies Notes: Phillies Make a Series of Roster Moves

So a few moves by the Phillies following back-to-back extra inning games.

Why Darin Ruf you may ask? My first guess would be the Phillies face only one lefty (today vs Mets) from now until Sunday, June 8.  My next guess would be that the 11 at-bats he was given in his time here was simply not enough to warrant him staying with the big league club.  The follow-up question would be, why did Ruf only get 11 at bats?  It seems there are many opportunities to get Ruf regular playing time - especially with the struggles of Dom Brown, a left-handed hitter.  Ruf could play right field, moving Marlon Bryd over to left, giving the Phillies some decent power  from their corner outfielders.

The fact that he can hit right-handed was supposed to be an asset, he can also play both first base to spell Ryan Howard or give someone a day-off by playing the outfield.

An interesting note on Ruf. One complaint voiced often about him is his outfield defense isn't very good. There is no disputing that - however, Brown has struggled in left this season and Revere has struggled a lot in center this season - so it's not like the Phillies outfield is filled with gold glove candidates.

As for the pitching moves, the Phillies bullpen has been a disaster all season, the loss of Manship, who pitched four perfect relief innings Saturday before exiting, has a 5.89 ERA over 16 appearances this season.

To replace Manship in the bullpen, the Phillies bring back Aumont, who has struck out 26 over 24 innings at Lehigh Valley this season, but he's also walked 21 while posting a 4.12 ERA. He might be best remembered for being a disappointing piece in the Cliff Lee to Seattle trade.  The Phillies also call-up Jimenez after posting a 1.67 ERA with 22 strikeouts over 27 innings at Lehigh Valley.