Rule 5 Pick Milner Returned to Phillies

The Phillies found themselves with several unprotected prospects heading in the 2016 Rule 5 Draft.   The Phillies 40-man roster was full after adding 11 players and the Phillies simply had to risk that some promising young talent would be available to be claimed.   The Phillies ultimately lost just one player, left-hand pitcher Hoby Milner.    Friday, the Phillies got Milner back.

Milner was claimed by the Cleveland Indians with the seventh pick overall in the Rule 5 draft.  Making seven appearances in Cactus League action with the Indians, Milner allowed seven earned runs, for a 9.00 earned run average.  After failing to make the Indians roster, Milner was offered back to the Phillies, who accepted him right back.

Though there is just one week left of Grapefruit League action, the Phillies announced that they will bring Milner to Major League camp.  While Milner likely is not a candidate for the Phillies bullpen to open the season, the club could benefit from getting a look at Milner, who might be able to help the club down the line.  Milner is a good bet to head to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he spent 11 games in 2016.

Milner also pitched in 38 games for the Reading Fightin' Phils in 2016.  Combined between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Milner went 5-4 with a 2.49 earned run average.   With a strong showing at Triple-A, Milner could see the big leagues by season's end.