Phillies Designate IF Mike Fontenot For Assignment, Michael Martinez Called Up From Triple-A

Infielder Mike Fontenot was designated for assignment by the Phillies this afternoon. Meanwhile, Michael "Mini-Mart" Martinez has been called up from Triple-A Lehigh to replace his roster spot.

Fontenot was signed to a minor-league deal back in April and was brought up to the big club back on May 14th. In 47 games with the Phillies, Fontenot hit .289 (29-for-97) with one home run and five RBI. Splitting time between third base and second base, Fontenot recorded five errors and most of them were game-deciding errors.

Michael Martinez is being called up for the second time this season. Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh when Chase Utley made his season debut. In 16 games with the Phillies, Martinez hit .133 with a home run and four RBI.  At AAA Lehigh Valley, Martinez hit .271.

With the addition of five players and only releasing two, the Phillies were desperate for spots on the 40-man roster.  It was clear that one utility infielder had to go; the 40-man roster just could not hold two.  The Phillies probably picked Martinez because he can play more positions (most notably shortstop) and the team could need them during the rest of this year which is going to be a transition.

Fontenot should land with another team easily.

Follow Erik on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.