No southpaws in the pen
The Phillies optioned left-handed reliever Fabio Castro to AA Reading today. The Phils had brought up Castro last month to replace Matt Smith who struggled at the beginning of the season. Smith had done a fantastic job for the Phillies earning a 2.08 ERA and striking out 12 through 8 and two-thirds innings.
Smith’s problem at the beginning of the season was control. In 4 innings he walked a baffling 11 batters. Now I’m no expert but even I could see that Smith was having issues with mechanics. Up in Ottawa Smith’s statistics say that he has figured out the problem. In 7.2 innings he has walked only 2 batters and struck out 5.
The Phillies have an off day tomorrow and haven’t called up a player to replace Castro’s roster spot. My bet is that Smith comes back to reclaim his role in the bullpen. If effective Smith could be an useful weapon for Charlie Manuel.
Sources:
Picture of Matt Smith from MLB.com
2 comments:
Matt Smith and Fabio Castro sucked. I think each may help the team in the future if they can get "it" figured out in the minors, but for now there are no good options to have a lefty in the 'pen. Trade coming?
I think they give Smith another change. But if he blows it the Phillies will need to make a trade.
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