Mike Adams' injury-rittled season continues. This time, Adams is being sent to the 15-day disabled list with bicep tendonitis. This is Adams' second disabled list stint since signing a two-year, $12 million contract with the Phillies. Even while on the roster, Adams has been frequently unavailable due to injury.
To replace Adams with the roster, they are turning to a piece they acquired in the Cliff Lee trade. Then designated for assignment. Then signed him to a minor league deal after he cleared waivers. That would be right-handed reliever J.C. Ramirez. In the minors, Ramirez showed just why the Phillies did not want to use a 40-man roster spot on him.
At AAA Lehigh Valley, Ramirez went 2-2 with a 6.53 ERA. After a bumpy start Ramirez was demoted to AA Reading, where he pitched seven scoreless innings. Ramirez pitched 30 innings for the Iron Pigs in 23 appearances altogether. For what it's worth, in his last 10 games his ERA is 4.38.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated utility infielder Michael Martinez for assignment. Assuming that no one claims Martinez on waivers (I am sure the other 29 teams are clamoring for an opportunity) I would guess he ends up back in the Phillies minor league system for later.
The Phillies now have had six (!) relievers on their major league roster this season that began the season in AAA Lehigh Valley: J.C. Ramirez Justin De Fratus, Mike Stutes, Joe Savery, Jake Diekman, and B.J. Rosenberg. All but Rosenberg are in the major leagues leagues; Jonathan Papelbon and Antonio Bastardo remain from the Phillies' Opening Day roster.
