Jonathan Pettibone and the Phillies got absolutely rocked in Colorado tonight, losing 12-1 to the Rockies. That was enough for the Phillies to need to make a change, to both help the bullpen that pitched more than the starter tonight. Pettibone was the casualty, after giving up eight earned runs in four innings to the Rockies.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports:
Following tonight's game, the Phillies optioned RHP Jonathan Pettibone to Lehigh Valley & selected the contract of RHP Shawn Camp from LV.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) April 19, 2014
Pettibone's rotation spot likely will go to Cole Hamels next time around on Wednesday. But for now, the bullpen needs help.
Phillies could not recall reliever Justin De Fratus, sent down to the minors on Sunday. The rules state that unless there is an injury, a player must spend 15 days in the minor leagues before being recalled. That would make De Fratus available once again on Tuesday, April 29 at home against New York. Even though B.J. Rosenberg's outing was rough once again, it makes more sense to send out the starter and keep the extra reliever.
The good news from Friday night's loss to the Rockies was that reliever Mike Adams made his first appearance and threw a scoreless fifth inning.
Camp pitched well this Spring but did not make the team. Camp was 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA for Lehigh Valley thus far. Camp is 38 years old and has no minor league options remaining. The Phillies had an open spot on the 40-man roster after Brad Lincoln cleared waivers, which Camp will occupy. The Phillies probably would have preferred to stash Camp in the minors for later in the season, but will have to use him now.
