Here we go folks. The moment you have all been waiting for.
The Philadelphia Phillies called up outfielder Grady Sizemore from Triple-A on Thursday. Sizemore hit .289 with the Iron Pigs. Cliff Lee was placed on the 60-day DL to make room for Sizemore on the 40-man roster. To clear space on the major league team, David Buchanan was sent to Lehigh Valley.
Phillies send Buchanan to AAA. Grady Sizemore called up from AAA.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) July 11, 2014
Cliff Lee moved to 60 day DL but he can come off Friday in ATL. This move keeps Buchanan pitching during break.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) July 11, 2014
Sizemore is a former All-Star who saw his career become derailed by injuries. Before the 2014 season, he signed with the Boston Red Sox in an attempt to make a comeback, but he struggled, batting only .216 in 52 games. Boston released him in June, and the Phillies picked him up a few days later.
It isn’t clear what role he’ll have with the Phillies. As a left-handed outfielder, he could steal playing time away from Domonic Brown. His addition may also mean that the Phillies career of Tony Gwynn, Jr. will soon be at an end.
As for Buchanan, this moves seems like a way for him to continue pitching during the All-Star break. It’s possible that when Cliff Lee returns after the break, the team will bring Buchanan back to the rotation and shifts Roberto Hernandez to a bullpen role instead.