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Phillies promote 3.12 ERA reliever and .590 OPS backup catcher
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- Phillies promote 3.12 ERA reliever and .590 OPS backup catcher
Phillies promote 3.12 ERA reliever and .590 OPS backup catcher originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Philadelphia Phillies just had an incredible August, going 21-7, making up significant ground in the NL East, now just 4.0 games back of the Atlanta Braves for the division title.
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Now that September has begun, the Phillies have two extra roster spots, one to use for a pitcher and another for a position player. They announced the two promotions on Tuesday afternoon, both of whom should be a big help this upcoming month.
As the Phillies announced Tuesday , .590 OPS catcher Rafael Marchan , the third one on their MLB roster, was promoted alongside 3.12 ERA reliever Grant Holman .
Phillies promote Rafael Marchan and Grant Holman to MLB roster
"Prior to tonight's game, the Phillies returned C Rafael Marchan from his rehab assignment with Lehigh Valley (AAA) and reinstated him from the 10-day IL. Additionally, RHP Grant Holman was recalled from Lehigh Valley, expanding the roster to 28 players. Holman will wear No. 51," the Phillies announced.
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With the expanded rosters, the Phillies have decided to add an extra reliever and a third catcher. Both promotions are interesting for their own reasons.
Marchan's addition to the big-league roster might seem odd at first glance. Why have three catchers on the MLB roster?
Well, the Phillies like to use Garrett Stubbs as a pinch-runner, and if they use him in such a role and substitute him out for another hitter, they wouldn't have another catcher on the roster.
Plus, if the Phillies decide to pinch-hit for Stubbs and/or Marchan late in games, the Phillies would still be able to give J.T. Realmuto the day off by slotting the other catcher into the lineup.
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Holman, on the other hand, is another reliever to add to the bullpen. It's been a heavily taxed group lately, and getting another arm is a huge plus.
Holman has a 3.12 ERA in 20 outings at Triple-A for the Phillies, striking out 25 batters in 26 innings of work. The 26-year-old has already made his MLB debut with the Athletics , where he posted a 4.66 ERA in 40 games and 38.2 innings of work.
Don Mattginly won't be using Holman in high-leverage spots, but he will get some work in blowouts and if the other relievers in the bullpen need a day off.
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These are two smart promotions for the Phillies, as Marchan gives them a lot more creativity with the catcher spot, and Holman is just another quality depth reliever who will help ease the burden on the top relievers down the stretch and into the postseason.
