Phillies demote Mark Leiter; Adam Morgan, Victor Arano close to return

By John Town | May 16, 2018

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: Pitcher Mark Leiter #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Oakland Athletics during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 15, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

The Phillies optioned Mark Leiter to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after Wednesday’s win. Reports indicate Adam Morgan or Victor Arano will return soon.

The Phillies activated Mark Leiter from the 10-day disabled list before their 4-1 win over the Orioles Wednesday. After the game, they optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He had done well in a rehab assignment coming back from a right forearm strain, but the team had to make room in their bullpen.

Scott Lauber of Philly.com reports that either Victor Arano or Adam Morgan will come off the disabled list to replace Leiter. Morgan went on the disabled list May 7 with a back strain, while Arano has been out since April 29 with a rotator cuff strain.

Leiter served as the team’s swingman last year, making 11 starts and 16 appearances out of the bullpen. He was okay but not great, posting a 4.96 ERA, 5.14 fielding-independent pitching, and 1.335 WHIP. Leiter came into spring training with the chance to serve as the team’s long reliever this year, but it appears he has lost that chance.

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Both Arano and Morgan were off to great starts before winding up on the disabled list. Arano did not allow a baserunner until his eighth appearance of the season. He allowed just one run over 12 innings, giving up five hits and three walks. He had a 0.75 ERA, 0.667 WHIP, and 4.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Morgan was also doing well to start the season. He had a 2.45 ERA in 17 appearances, giving up eight hits and eight walks over 11 innings.

After Hoby Milner was demoted to Triple-A, Morgan was the only lefty in the bullpen. When he got hurt, they had to bring up Zac Curtis, but he was sent to Triple-A soon after.

Leiter being demoted opens up a roster spot for one of Morgan or Arano. When the other one is ready to be activated, Drew Hutchison may be the most likely one out. He has only appeared in nine games all season, mostly in extra-inning or mop-up outings. This would leave the team without a true long man, but Seranthony Dominguez could fill that role need be.

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Morgan and Arano coming back to the team will help improve what has already been a strong bullpen.

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