Garcia, Stutes Optioned

Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reports that RHPs Luis Garcia and Michael Stutes have been optioned. Optioning Garcia and Stutes starts to clear up the bullpen picture, a bit. Garcia has appeared in only two Spring games but has given up three earned in two innings pitched. Stutes has been topping out at only 88 MPH during the Spring, allowing seven earned in three outings. Chris Branch asked Stutes if the shoulder that is troubling is healthy to which he replied “I’ll pass on that one.” Branch says Stutes will be working on keeping the ball down in minor league camp.

Some other reassignments also occurred but did not require options. Non-roster invitees OF Leandro Castro and C Sebastian Valle have been reassigned to minor league camp while 40-man roster invites OF Aaron Altherr

and Kelly Dugan have been sent to minor league camp as well. There are currently 36 40-man roster players in camp and 16 non-roster invitees in camp fighting for 25 Phillies’ roster spots.

Additionally, the Phillies have released minor league infielder Jairo Cardozo per Baseball America’s Matt Eddy. The Venezuelan-native Cardozo, 20, hit just .196/.267/.228 with just two extra base hits for Short-Season Williamsport in 32 games played across three positions in the infield.