Phillies: Switch-Pitcher Pat Vinditte Unhittable in AAA

Phillies fans should see Pat Venditte in the MLB bullpen sooner than later

Pat Venditte is proving himself to be much more than a spectacle, which many saw as the reason the Phillies acquired him in spring training.

The rare switch-pitcher missed the Phillies 25-man roster in March, partially because his time in the organization was so limited. Beginning his year in Lehigh Valley Venditte has done everything but allow a run.

Let alone allowing a run, he’s done everything but allow a single hit.

Through nine innings across six relief appearances, Venditte has 12 strikeouts, five walks, and no hits. His only base runners this season were two hit batters during his season opener.

Because the major league bullpen has performed so poor for the Phillies the expectation Venditte returns to the big leagues sooner rather than later is real.

Opponents are hitting .252 against Phillies relief pitchers, who’ve also allowed a major league-high 19 home runs.

Jeanmar Gomez, who’s fall from grace after dominating as a closer leaves him in no man’s land, has allowed eight earned runs, sixth most among National League relievers. Adam Morgan, the converted reliever now back in Triple-A, still leads all of baseball with six home runs allowed.

Before Venditte makes his Phillies debut the organization would need to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. The aforementioned Morgan, Luis Garcia, or infielder Ty Kelly could each be designated for assignment should the time come.

Next: Aaron Nola Injury Cause for Concern

Until then Phillies fans will have to watch the highlights of Venditte swapping pitching hands down in Lehigh Valley, or make a trip to see the IronPigs.