Phillies pitcher David Buchanan had one heck of a start on Monday evening, giving the Phillies six and one-third innings at a time when rotation stability is an issue and the bullpen has been overworked. That should bode well for Buchanan's future with the team, right? Apparently, it was not enough, as Buchanan was optioned to AAA Lehigh Valley after the game.
In his postgame comments broadcast on CSN Philly during "Phillies Post Game Live" interim manager Pete Mackanin announced a surprising roster change. Mackanin said that he wanted to keep Buchanan every fifth day and "keep Buchanan on track", and said, "we need to keep our bullpen intact.
Buchanan seemed to take the news well. Does he know of something going on on the trade front, perhaps?
Buchanan didn't exactly sound disappointed to be sent down. So, what did management tell him: "That's between us."
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) July 21, 2015
Aaron Nola will replace right-handed starter Chad Billingsley on the roster, and Buchanan's spot will go to right-handed starter Jerome Williams. The Phillies have off days on Thursday and on Monday and can use four starters for a little while. Currently the Phillies have Cole Hamels, Adam Morgan, Aaron Nola, and Williams, for now.
The Phillies do not have an option with Williams' contract and Aaron Harang could be starting a rehab assignment soon. The Phillies could be keeping control of all of their pitching options until they make some trades. A Cole Hamels trade could mean that the Phillies need the other four as well as Buchanan. Chad Billingsley may be out for the season, so the Phillies will need to have as many options as possible approaching the trade deadline.
