Ramirez Clears Waivers

The Phillies announced last night that pitcher J.C. Ramirez has cleared waivers and will be assigned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Ramirez, 24, has yet to fulfill the potential that made him a key piece in the 2009 trade for Cliff Lee, posting a career 4.33 ERA in 177 Minor League games. Ramirez made the transition to the bullpen last year for Double-A Reading before earning a call-up to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he posted a 4.28 ERA in 29 games out of the ‘pen. Ramriez was designated to make room for Chad Durbin.

Analysis: Ramirez turned just 24 in August and still has time to develop into a solid bullpen piece. Because he has cleared waivers, the Phillies can take a little more time with him to see what he has in Lehigh Valley. At this point Ramirez likely does not have trade value but could turn into an interesting asset if he finds his curve.