Minors Notes: RHP Claypool Released, More Roster Moves

Garett Claypool in 2011, Photo- Jay Floyd

Once promising righty hurler Garett Claypool was released by the Phillies on Friday morning. The UCLA product was selected in the 11th round of the 2010 amateur draft by the Phils.

The 24-year-old right-hander had a breakout season, with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws in 2011, when he posted a 5-7 record with a 3.47 ERA and led the league in strike outs over 27 outings (23 starts). Claypool, a California native, did not show the same potential that landed him among the Phillies' top 25 prospects in 2012 upon climbing the developmental ladder to Class A Advanced Clearwater in 2012. There, the six-foot-two 180-pounder tallied a 3-2 record with a 7.30 ERA over 20 appearances (one start).

Additionally, the Phillies have continued some housekeeping among their rosters, reassigning second baseman Cesar Hernandez and relief pitcher Justin Friend to the minors. In 11 games with the big league Phils this spring, Hernandez, a 22-year-old switch-hitter, batted .313 with a double, an RBI and two steals. Friend, a 26-year-old righty who was an All-Star with Double-A Reading last season, appeared in two big league spring training games, allowing an earned run in two innings pitched. Those two players now join other individuals that were reassigned to the minors this week, such as B.J. Rosenberg, Jonathan Pettibone, Tyson Gillies, Ethan Martin, Tyler Cloyd, Sebastian Valle and Joe Savery.

Also, outfielder Zach Collier, who spent some time with the big league club this spring is expected to begin the season with Double-A Reading. Collier, the 34th overall draft pick by the Phillies in 2008, was hitless in seven at bats with the big league team this spring.

Lastly, as reported on The BlueClaws Blog, catcher Cameron Rupp has launched three home runs in the opening two games this spring, while playing with Double-A Reading's club. Rupp, a University of Texas product, was the Phils' 3rd round draft choice in 2010.

*UPDATE* - I have also obtained confirmation from within Phillies minor league camp that pitcher Matt Sisto was released on Friday. Sisto, a righty, was selected in the 20th round of last year's draft out of the University of Hawaii. In 24 contests with short-season Class A Williamsport last year, the 23-year-old sported a 1-3 record with a 3.51 ERA.

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