What happens when you give up four runs in the bottom of the 14th inning and the team is desperate for an arm that has not thrown? The answer is that you will lose your place on the Phillies roster. Jeff Manship, last night's losing pitcher in the 14-inning marathon, has been designated for assignment, among other moves, reports Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. This means that the Phillies have 10 days to trade, release, or outright Manship to AAA Lehigh Valley.
Taking Manship's place will be embattled reliever Phillippe Aumont. Aumont will get yet another chance after failing to keep control in his latest stint with the Phillies. At AAA Lehigh Valley, Aumont is 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA. In 29 relief apperances, Aumont has 30 walks. If Aumont is going to be effective at the major league level, he must maintain control of his pitches and not give free passes. One reason that Aumont is the choice to be summoned from AAA is that he has not pitched since July 20. The Phillies need a fresh arm.
Carlos Ruiz returns from the disabled list tonight. After suffering a concussion June 26 against the Atlanta Braves and hit the seven-day disabled list for concussions. The stay ended up being near a full calendar month. Ruiz batted just .176 in his rehab at Class A Clearwater. But, Ruiz is ready to catch, and therefore ready to be the Phillies' backstop.
Cameron Rupp, who did a fine job filling in for Ruiz behind the plate and at times even offensively, has been optioned to AAA Lehigh Valley to make room for Ruiz. Rupp caught all 14 innings of last night's marathon against the San Francisco Giants. Rupp hit .190 during his time with the Phillies. Rupp, though, certainly impressed the Phillies during his stay in the major leagues. The Phillies have a solid option for backup catcher next season.
