With the recent news that Brett Myers, in all likelihood, will be done for the season the Phillies are scrambling to keep their pitching staff fully armed. Sergio Escalona is currently on the active roster, filling a spot in the bullpen.
After tonight's game against San Diego the Phillies will call up Antonio Bastardo (pictured above), although he is already traveling with the team. Bastardo will make his major league debut tomorrow night when he takes the mound as the first starter to fill the void left by Myers.
The active roster on the left side of the site is up to date, and will be updated tomorrow morning to reflect on the changes expected to be made for Bastardo's spot. Expect Escalona to be demoted, if not John Mayberry Jr.
It is a popular opinion that Mayberry is the player who should be sent back to Lehigh, and through no fault of his own. After making a big splash in his major league debut, including a home run in Yankee Stadium, he has seen little to no playing time. Clearly sitting on the bench is doing him no good in regards to keeping in game shape. The Phillies will likely use him once again when the team has to travel for inter league games, but for the meantime he should be playing everyday. If that playing times comes in Lehigh Valley, then so be it.
UPDATE: In related pitching (and minor league) news, Kyle Drabek was just promoted to double A Reading. His first start will be tomorrow night. Talk about an exciting night for the young Phillies pitchers! HT: Beerleaguer
Original Story:
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