Notes: Chooch to DL, Collier DFA’ed, Camp Released

The road to contention just got even trickier.

2008 first-round pick Zach Collier was designated for assignment today to make room on the 40-man roster for catcher Koyie Hill. The 23-year old outfielder has struggled in the minors, posting a .240/.312/.349 over his minor league career while Collier has hit just .228/.307/.316 with just one homer in his second stint with Reading. Hill, 35, has been added to the 40-man roster and was recalled to Philadelphia

Why, you ask?

To take the place of catcher Carlos Ruiz. Chooch is battling concussion-like symptoms, per reports, and has been placed on the seven-day disabled list. Hill, a 10-year MLB veteran, was hitting .240/.341/.373 with three homers for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Additionally, RHP Shawn Camp has been released. Camp, who was released earlier this season and then re-signed with the Phillies as a minor-league free agent, appeared in three games with the Phillies, allowing two earned and a homer. Camp had appeared in 13 games for Lehigh Valley with a 4.20 ERA and his release is to make room for Jason Marquis

Analysis: The Phillies chose the toolsy Collier 34th overall in the 2008 draft ahead of safer college arms Lance Lynn and Wade Miley. Collier never got his bat going but was seen within the organization as someone with enough tools and raw athletic ability to eventually become a Major Leaguer. Collier struggled to stay healthy, missing all of 2010 and parts of 2011 and 2012. When Collier was healthy, he showed flashes of being a potential 20/20 outfielder but missed time added up and adjustments weren’t made. Collier could remain with the Phillies if he clears waivers. 

With all of the catching movement, Sebastian Valle is temporarily Lehigh Valley’s only catcher.