Phillies designate reliever Joely Rodriguez for assignment
By John Town
The Phillies have had enough of Joely Rodriguez’s struggles this season. The team designated the lefty reliever for assignment after Wednesday’s loss.
The Phillies winning streak came to a crashing halt Wednesday night as the team lost to the Braves by a 14-1 score. After the loss, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reported that Joely Rodriguez was designated for assignment. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com said that a corresponding move will come Thursday.
During Wednesday’s loss, Rodriguez pitched 0.2 innings, giving up three runs that were all charged to Adam Morgan. He gave up a hit and walked two batters.
In 25 appearances this season, Rodriguez had a 6.49 ERA, 5.68 FIP, and 1.86 WHIP. Through 26.1 innings, Rodriguez had a 13.2% strikeout rate and a 10.1% walk rate. He was worth -0.4 fWAR, second-worst among 19 Phils pitchers this season.
More from Phillies News
- How Phillies’ Ranger Suárez is set to build on 2022 postseason dominance
- What can Philadelphia Phillies expect from Bryson Stott in 2023?
- 3 Reasons to get excited for Phillies’ Craig Kimbrel signing
- Phillies-Mets owners’ rivalry grows after shocking Carlos Correa deal
- Could Rich Hill become ‘Jamie Moyer 2.0’ in Phillies rotation?
Rodriguez was far more successful last season in his brief time in the majors. He started the year in Double-A and was demoted to High-A, but from then on he rocketed through the system. Rodriguez eventually made it to the majors, giving up three runs in 9.2 innings in September. Thanks to his performance in September, he eked out a role in the bullpen this year.
With Rodriguez designated for assignment, that leaves his spot on the 40-man roster open for another reliever to join the major-league team.
One option to add to the roster is lefty Hoby Milner who has been utterly dominant in Triple-A this season. Just Wednesday night, Milner struck out five batters in 2.1 innings for the IronPigs. Through 21.2 innings heading into Wednesday, Milner allowed just five runs, striking out 18 batters while walking four.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- How Phillies’ Ranger Suárez is set to build on 2022 postseason dominance
- What can Philadelphia Phillies expect from Bryson Stott in 2023?
- 3 Reasons to get excited for Phillies’ Craig Kimbrel signing
- 11 Free-agent deals the Philadelphia Phillies wish fell through
- Phillies-Mets owners’ rivalry grows after shocking Carlos Correa deal
The team could also bring up switch-pitcher Pat Venditte. The Phils traded for him during spring training, so they obviously have at least some interest in him. Venditte has given up just four earned runs in 30 innings. While he has allowed just 13 hits, he has walked 16, meaning his 1.20 ERA should look more like his 3.43 FIP.
Other options to be added to the bullpen are Cesar Ramos and Jesen Therrien. Ramos, who was a non-roster invitee during spring training, has a 1.82 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in 16 games. He has a 3.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 34.2 innings.
Next: Odubel Herrera is the centerpiece of the Phillies
Therrien, who was promoted to Triple-A just last week, has turned some heads this season. He has yet to allow an earned run through four innings in Triple-A, walking no one and striking out four. Therrien had a matching 1.26 ERA and FIP in 21 games in Double-A. It may be too early to add him, but you never know.