Phillies extend four spring invites

The Phillies have begun planning for spring as news dropped today that they’ve requested the presence of four non-roster invitees,  two of which are new additions, at camp in February.

Outfielder Leandro Castro and lefty hurler Cesar Jimenez are two talents who spent this past season in the organization that will be with the big league club when spring training begins next year.  Additionally, newly signed veterans  Shawn Camp, a righty pitcher, and outfielder Clete Thomas will be included in the Phillies’ early plans in Clearwater as well.

Castro, a right-handed hitter who was signed as an amateur free agent in 2007, has steadily been criticized for his focus and cockiness during his time in the Phillies’ organization.  This year in the regular season, the 24-year-old posted a .256 batting average with eight homers and 55 RBI in 117 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Jimenez, 29, has a 2-3 record with a 4.96 ERA and a 6.47 K/9 mark in 62 big league games.  The Venezuela native was originally signed by the Phillies last December as a minor league free agent and appeared in 19 games with the team in 2013.

Camp, who will be 38 years old soon, was originally a 16th round draft choice of the Padres in 2007.  In 538 big league contests, the Virginia native has a 29-33 record with 12 saves and a 4.40 ERA.  A year removed from leading the National League in appearances with 80 in 2012, Camp sported a 7.04 ERA in 26 games with the Cubs last season.

Thomas, 30, was a sixth round draft choice of the Tigers in 2005.  In 249 career games in the majors with Detroit and Minnesota, Thomas sports a .233 average with a .664 OPS.

Phillies pitchers and catchers are set to report on February 12th while the first full squad workout is slated for February 18th.