In Clearwater Friday, the Phillies began to trim their big league roster, by sending 16 players off to minor league camp. With games scheduled to begin for the minor league clubs on Monday, this will allow the players to get acquainted with the coaches and teammates briefly, over the weekend.
The following players were assigned to minor league camp-
Brian Bass, RHP
Eddie Bonine, RHP
Andrew Carpenter, RHP
Ryan Feierabend, LHP
Michael Schwimer, RHP
Joel Naughton, C
Tagg Bozied, 1B
Robb Quinlan, IF
Matt Miller, OF
The following players were optioned to minor league camp-
Justin De Fratus, RHP
Matt Rizzotti, 1B
Drew Naylor, RHP
JC Ramirez, RHP
Harold Garcia, IF
Cesar Hernandez, 2B
Carlos Rivero, 3B
Quinlan, who batted .121 last year with the Angels and posted a .111 average with the Phillies this spring, asked for and was granted his release, rather than report to minor league camp.
Rizzotti, who is 25 years old, saw limited game action but slammed a double and a HR in his 5 spring at bats for a .400 average in six Grapefruit League games. Rizzotti sported a .343 average in 125 games. He was also named an All-star at the Double A level in the Eastern League. Based on his achievements last season and his age, it could have benefited both the Phillies and Rizzotti to play the left-handed slugger a bit more during the MLB exhibition season.
Surviving the cuts are righty hurler Mike Stutes, who has been excellent in Grapefruit League play (1 ER, 8 K's, 0 walks in 6 innings) and shortstop Freddy Galvis, who has 1 hit in just 7 at bats this spring.
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