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.

Comments

Sunday School: Phillies History Lesson 73

Danny Ozark was the Phillies' manager from 1973-1979. During his tenure as the team's general, Ozark led Philadelphia to three straight division titles. In his playing days, Ozark was a first baseman, who was a career minor leaguer in the Dodgers system. When Ozark took over the team in 1973, the Phillies were fresh off 5 consecutive losing seasons and 3 straight last place finishes. During his first season in charge, the Phillies would again finish in last place, 20 games under .500, but as his core of young talent, like Mike Schmidt and Larry Bowa, developed, the Phillies' win totals rose. Within 2 years, the Phillies were above .500 and in the playoff hunt until late in the season and the most successful era of Phillies history was about to begin. By 1976, the Phillies were headed to the post-season for the first time since 1950. The Phils would enjoy a 10-game lead over their nearest division rival at the midway point of the season. Despite a lul, which saw their lead d...

PhoulBallz Interview: First round pick Bryson Stott

Bryson Stott, image- Jay Floyd Shortstop Bryson Stott , the Phillies' first round draft selection this year, has enjoyed a successful initial pro campaign. En route to being recognized as an All-Star for the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters the 21-year-old UNLV product has tallied a .295 average with six home runs and 25 RBI in 45 minor league contests. Last week I spoke with the lefty hitting Stott to discuss his transition to professional baseball, joining the Phillies organization and plenty more. Read ahead for that interview. -Obviously, your performance and the production on the field is going well, but how do you feel you have adapted to the pro life? It feels good. You hear about the everyday grind, but you don't really believe it till you feel it. I would say that's the difference between college and the pros, is you're not practicing, you're playing games every day. I would say that's the biggest difference. But I...

Velasquez shut down, Eflin on deck?

Eflin with Reading in 2015, image- Jay Floyd Following Vincent Velasquez leaving his start after just two pitches for the Phillies on Wednesday, righty prospect Zach Eflin was pulled from his start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley at Gwinnett. The 22-year-old sports a 5-1 record with a 3.14 ERA and a .210 batting average against in 10 starts for the IronPigs this season. He could take the place of Velasquez if he is required to miss any additional time. Initial word on Velasquez after he threw two fastballs that clocked in the 86-87 MPH range (considerably slower than the 94 MPH he averages) and was swiftly pulled from his outing, is that he has a biceps strain. He'll be further evaluated in the coming days. Prior to the regular season, Eflin got a taste of competing against big leaguers when he was charged with 12 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits while striking out two and walking one with a wild pitch in three innings of work in an intrasquad exhibition that pitted the Phils...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog