Mayberry Stays, Ransom Goes, Rizzotti Promoted

The Phillies made two roster moves Thursday, designating infielder Cody Ransom for assignment and promoting Matt Rizzotti to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Ransom leaves the 25-man roster to make room for the newly acquired Mike Sweeney, who will participate in a first base platoon with Ross Gload while Ryan Howard is shelved with an ankle injury. Ransom’s departure allows John Mayberry, Jr. to stay on the active roster, which makes the most sense given the context of this team. Mayberry is a better option than Ransom as a pinch-hitter, pinch-runner, and defensive replacement, and the Phillies already have a glut of players that can play first, second, and third. Movin’ On Up The promotion of Matt Rizzotti from Reading to Lehigh Valley was also a good roster move. Make that three good moves in two days for the Phils. Rizzotti, a first baseman, hit .362/.451/.638 in 308 plate appearances in the Eastern League, belting 16 home runs and 25 doubles. It was the 24-year-old’s f...