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OF James released, LHP Biddle inactive

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Jiwan James with Reading in 2012, Image- Jay Floyd
For the third straight week the Phillies have cut a former well-regarded prospect that has fizzled at the upper levels, as outfielder Jiwan James was released by the Phillies on Thursday.

The 25-year-old was a 22nd round draft choice in 2007 and was originally a pitcher, going 0-4 with a 7.71 ERA in his initial season as a pro with the Gulf Coast League Phillies. After missing 2008 with a right biceps injury, the athletic James shifted to the outfield, where he became a promising talent.

A member of the 2010 South Atlantic League champion Lakewood BlueClaws team, James set that club's hit streak record when he notched at least one safety in 24 consecutive contests.

James joins former "Baby Ace" Brody Colvin and 2008 first round draft pick Anthony Hewitt on a list of names the Phillies have given up on this month.

After returning from a knee injury that kept him on the shelf for the opening two months of the season, James went 7-for-21 (.333 avg.) in nine games for Double-A Reading. In his pro career James posted a .265 average with a .681 OPS in 466 games as an offensive player.

In other transaction news, lefty hurler Jesse Biddle was placed on the temporary inactive list for Double-A Reading. In four June starts, Biddle has struggled mightily, tallying a 0-4 record along with a 12.64 ERA while walking 14 batters and striking out 12 in 15 2/3 innings.

Prior to the troublesome stretch in recent weeks, Biddle looked like the talented hurler that was widely ranked among the Phillies' best prospects, as he sported a 3-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and a 9.14 K/9 mark after 11 starts.

The 22-year-old did not respond to a request for comment.
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