Rupp Optioned, Valle Reassigned, Hill in Camp & Adams Set To Pitch
The Phillies reorganized the catching position at camp today. According to Todd Zolecki, Cameron Rupp has been optioned, Sebastian Valle has been reassigned, and newly acquired catcher Koyie Hill is in camp as a non roster invitee.
Rupp, a 3rd round pick in the 2010 MLB Draft, is slated to be the starting catcher at AAA Lehigh Valley. Valle, a former top prospect, struggled mightily last season in AA Reading, hitting a measly .203 with a .245 OBP. Hill, acquired from the Nationals on March 17th for a PTBNL or cash considerations, is likely slated to backup Rupp in AAA but for now remains in camp with Carlos Ruiz and Will Nieves.
Mike Adams will make his Grapefruit League debut tonight as he is scheduled to pitch 1 inning against the New York Yankees. Adams, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, has targeted April 15th as a return date. First pitch is at 7:05 and can be seen locally on the MLB Network.
David Buchanan has been told that he will not make the big league club. He will pitch Saturday in the exhibition game against the Pirates and then report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Buchanan, a 7th round pick in the 2010 draft, was trying to make the club as a 5th starter. He posted a 4.40 ERA last season between AA Reading and AAA Lehigh Valley.
None of this news is overly shocking. It will be nice to see what Mike Adams can do tonight. In his last outing his fastball consistently hit 90 MPH and he struck out 3. Buchanan could be an option to be recalled if the Phillies need a 5th starter or one of the starting four comes down with an injury.
