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More reasons to follow me on Twitter...if you missed Monday's news about the Phillies' release of right-handed pitcher Juan Morillo , you may have also missed me breaking another cut on Tuesday morning, when the Phils parted ways with righty hurler Ryan Duke . The #Phillies have parted ways with RHP Ryan Duke, who was a 25th rd draft pick in 2011. #MiLB — Jay Floyd (@PhoulBallz) March 12, 2013 Duke, a University of Oklahoma product, was selected by the Phillies in the 25th round of the 2011 amateur draft. In two professional seasons, the 24-year-old Texas native sported a 1-3 record with 10 saves and a 2.73 ERA in 55 combined games at five levels. Be sure to follow me in order to learn about Phillies minor league news as it breaks.

Phils hurler Tyler Cloyd relies on superstitions Baseball players are known for being some of the quirkiest of all athletes and, as such, they typically seem to be the most superstitious. Many people feel that superstitions and sports go hand in hand. The habits and things players believe can bring good luck or serve up bad luck are embedded deeply in the game of baseball. Some of the best known player activities based on bringing a positive vibe include kooky actions like Turk Wendell 's oral habits, which involved the former Cubs, Mets, Phillies and Rockies hurler chewing black licorice while he pitched and brushing his teeth between innings. Some players are big believers in physical routines, like the manner in which Mike Sweeney would enter the batter's box, touching his helmet and face multiple times, or how Nomar Garciaparra would unfasten and readjust his batting gloves between each pitch. The superstitions that are widely known are those that belong to ...

With Thursday's 1-0 loss at Trenton, Reading has been shut out for three consecutive games. It is the first such streak since April, 2005. In addition, the R-Phils are just 3-12 in July, after ending June 1.5 games up in first place in the Double-A Eastern League's Eastern division. On the club's offensive struggles of late, manager Dusty Wathan (pictured) had the following to say: "I think (the struggles) would have been (of great concern) if we hadn't seen some adjustments made. I think (Thursday's) ball game, we did a nice job with our bats all the way from top to bottom, for the most part. We gave ourselves some chances to score some runs. It was just one of those things in baseball where you can't get the big hit. I think if you had talked to me a week ago, I would have been a little bit frustrated with the way our approach is at the plate. But, I think we've made some nice adjustments and I think it'll come, with patience. I think we...

Relief pitcher Ryan Duke has been hot since debuting as a pro this year. After being selected by the Phillies in the 25th round of this year's MLB amateur draft, Duke made a splash with the short season Williamsport Crosscutters, quickly earning a promotion to the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. In 17 games thus far as a professional, Duke, a 22-year-old right hander, has 0.96 ERA with 7 saves and a .113 batting average against. In addition, he has displayed great command while striking out 22 batters and walking just 3 in 18 2/3 innings. In his collegiate career, Duke was a force out of the University of Oklahoma bullpen, where he became the school's all-time saves leader. Recently, I spoke with Ryan about his draft experience, his pitch repertoire and more. Check out the media player below to listen to excerpts from the interview. Also, click here to read more about Ryan and his teammate Austin Wright, another 2011 draft pick currently contributing with the Lakewoo...

LAKEWOOD, NJ- As the two-time reigning South Atlantic League champions, the Lakewood BlueClaws, strive to reach the post-season, the club has added a pair 2011 draft picks to their pitching staff in order to help the club earn their chance at a three-peat. In each of the last two seasons, the BlueClaws added a present year draft choice to the pitching staff to help the club, just as they entered the crucial playoff stretch. In 2009, 15th rounder Austin Hyatt helped the team lock down a championship by pitching in all five of the club's postseason victories. Then last year, 35th round selection Eric Pettis arrived in time to add depth to the bullpen for the postseason. This year, the BlueClaws got their shot of professional rookie adrenaline early, as 8th round draft choice Austin Wright , a left-handed starter, and 25th round pick Ryan Duke , a righty reliever, have joined the team after tremendous debuts with the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters of the NY-Penn ...