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Phillies Outright Darnell Sweeney from 40-Man Roster

By George Stockburger

Sep 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Derek Dietrich (32) is forced out at second base as Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Darnell Sweeney (24) turns the double play during the second inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Derek Dietrich (32) is forced out at second base as Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Darnell Sweeney (24) turns the double play during the second inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of the young players acquired in the Chase Utley trade has been outrighted from the Phillies 40-man roster

Darnell Sweeney, the young utility player acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, was outrighted from the Phillies 40-man roster Monday afternoon. Sweeney had spent all of 2016 with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs after getting some looks with the Phillies last season.

Sweeney did clear waivers, and is expected to remain with the Iron Pigs through their playoff run.

Sweeney hit .176 in 37 games last season for the Phillies. He managed to play all three outfield positions, as well as second and third base. In 178.1 innings he committed three errors in the field.

The 25-year-old didn’t fair much better with the Iron Pigs, hitting a measly .232 in 117 games. While 17 doubles and five triples aren’t something to turn your nose up to, his 98 strikeouts and 12 errors are.

The open spot on the Phillies 40-man roster could mean a starting pitcher is on his way up to Philadelphia. With Vince Velasquez shutdown for the remainder of the season, the Phillies will look to fill his role for the remainder of the season.

Alec Asher is the rumored option to replace Velasquez in the starting rotation. Pete Mackanin said he would like to get a look at Asher, who was suspended 80 games for PED usage.

Asher was 0-6 with a 9.31 ERA in seven starts last season for the Phillies after being acquired in the Cole Hamels trade. He gave up 42 hits, 30 runs, 10 home runs, and eight walks in just 29 innings last season.

Between GCL, Reading, and Lehigh Valley this season, Asher is 4-2 with a 3.06 ERA in 12 starts. While his earned runs are down considerably this season, Asher is still giving up too many hits and free passes.

Asher pitched four innings Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and striking out five. He’d be on-track to start against the Nationals later this week.

Next: Moniak Showing Mixed Results in GCL

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