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Diekman Among Three Sent Down

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Today the Phillies announced that a trio of players, who have been in big league camp, were sent down to the minors. Right-handed hurler Scott Elarton and Brian Sanches were trimmed from the roster along with impressive lefty reliever Jake Diekman.

Elarton, who has pitched previously in the Majors with the Astros, Rockies, Indians and Royals, did not perform very well this spring, as he posted a 0-1 record with a 5.02 ERA in 5 outings (2 starts). Expect the 36-year-old veteran to hold down a spot in the starting rotation for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs as the 2012 regular season begins.

Sanches, who had a previous stint with Philadelphia from 2006 to 2007 and is fresh off three solid seasons with the Marlins, allowed 5 runs in 7 innings pitched in Grapefruit League play this spring. The 33-year-old will add veteran depth to Lehigh Valley’s relief corp.

Diekman, 25, remains a terrific option as a lefty in the bullpen when the need arises this season. Sporting a fastball that reaches 95 MPH, an improving slider and a deceiving change up, the Nebraska native has rocked a 0.55 ERA with 23 strike outs and 7 walks in 16 combined relief outings in the Arizona Fall League and Major League spring training this year.

More cuts are on the way in the coming days as the Phillies roster is whittled down to the necessary requirement of 25 players for opening day next week.
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