Chad Durbin, an all-around nice guy with a great smile, has been released by the Phillies for being awful.
The Phillies reliever has had a miserable 2013, among other miserable 2013s in the bullpen, and will no longer be called upon to try and not make a six-run lead a nine-run lead. The Phillies announced the release of their recently re-signed on the cheap 2008 alum this afternoon, to the delight of a city brimming with enthusiasm for the start of Philly Beer Week.
May 5, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Chad Durbin (45) reacts to giving up a home run during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 14-2. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Durbin’s 9.00 ERA and 25 hits over 16 innings pitched were deemed unsuitable. Joe Savery, who hopefully did not unpack his things from his last visit, will sling his bag back over his shoulder and make the trip from Lehigh to fill Durbin’s spot.
Is this the first of many roster moves to try and fix the Phillies? Nobody would call the release of Durbin as the fuse lit to blow up the team, so perhaps the Phillies still believe, as they hover around .500, that if they dump some of the more adamantly incompetent pieces, they can still make a run at this thing.
After all, the Nationals are only one game better, and they’re the future 2013 National League champions.
No, I will not stop bring that up, no matter how big and how awkward of a shoehorn I need to use to get it in there.
For the time being, enjoy your Beer Week, Philadelphia. Chad Durbin is gone. It’s a step.