Phillies Release Stutes, Frandsen Signs with Nats

Right-handed pitcher Mike Stutes, who was outrighted by the Phillies early in March, has officially been released by the club. It was hardly a shocking move, as Stutes pitched in just three innings this spring and struggled mightily, allowing seven earned runs on five hits while walking three.

Stutes was a pleasant surprise as a rookie for the Phillies with a lively fastball out of the bullpen in 2011, but injuries have marred his past couple of seasons. In 2012 he pitched in only six games before requiring season-ending shoulder surgery, and he managed only 16 games in 2013 because of biceps tendonitis in his throwing arm.

Infielder Kevin Frandsen, who was also outrighted off of the 40-man roster, has reportedly signed with the Washington Nationals to fill out their final bench spot. According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, Frandsen will have a “fully guaranteed major league deal for $900,000,” which is the same amount he would have been paid by the Phillies if he had agreed to join the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and not elect free agency. Crasnick also reports Frandsen’s deal comes with $300,000 in performance bonuses and an award package of $400,000.