Phillippe Aumont’s Departure Makes it Michael Stutes Time

Phillippe Aumont’s turn has ended in the bullpen.

May 9, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) talks with relief pitcher Phillippe Aumont (48) during the seventh inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

In 13 innings of work, Aumont has struck out 15 and allowed 17 hits. Six earned runs have been the result.  It’s not an airtight bullpen the Phillies have out there this year, and the more earned runs that cross the plate, the more it seems like these younger prospect arms are interchangeable mediocrity.

It is a shame; Aumont’s slider is terrifying when worked effectively, and his fastball has the velocity to blow the shutters off a house.  But his issues remain in the realm of control, where seems to lose his footing more often than not.  As a guy appearing later in games, asked to hold leads, and then begged to hold leads, the Phillies would love it if he could find the control that would make him a suffocating relief option.

The real question is, who does this bring up?  Theories are already flying that it’s now Michael Stutes’ time to shine.  This is a positive development, as Stutes is a new option, and may even be a good one.  After 10 appearances, Stutes has allowed a single run.

He will most likely be promoted Friday, when the team is in Washington, and sent out to take on the presumed NL champion Nationals in a series that could very well determine some new placement in the NL East.

Also, Nationals suck.