Dobbs DFA'ed, Rollins activated, Ruiz to DL, Zagurski recalled
News blogs, sports blogs, entertainment blogs, and more from Philly.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.
Dobbs DFA'ed, Rollins activated, Ruiz to DL, Zagurski recalled
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
You thought the big news would've been Jimmy Rollins being activated, but the move the Phillies made to accomodate him is an eyebrow-raiser.
The Phillies have designated Greg Dobbs for assignment, essentially meaning they have 10 days to either trade or release him or place him on waivers.
Dobbs, who was one of the top pinch-hitters in the National League in 2007 and 2008, was 1-for-25 as a pinch-hitter while hitting .152 with one home run and six RBI overall.
The Phillies have also placed catcher Carlos Ruiz on the disabled list while recalling leftander Mike Zagurski from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
In 2007 and 2008, Dobbs hit .284/.331/.467 (.798 OPS) with 19 home runs and 95 RBI in 598 plate appearances. During the Phillies' run to their title in 2008, he went 7-for-14 with two runs scored and two walks. But he struggled throughout last season, hitting .247/.296/.383 (.679 OPS) with five home runs in 169 plate appearances, including a 9-for-54 performance as a pinch-hitter.
Dobbs battled a calf injury that he suffered in 2008 throughout the 2009 season, but proclaimed himself healthy this spring.
In 28 starts last season, he hit a respectable .309/.340/.489 (.829 OPS) with four home runs in 103 plate appearances.
This year, though, he has made just five starts, going 8-for-36 (.222) with two doubles and one home run.
Zagurski appeared in 25 games in 2007 as a 24-year-old, allowing 14 earned runs, 25 hits and 11 walks in 21.1 innings (5.91 ERA) while striking out 21.
He suffered a season-ending hamstring injury that year, then missed all of 2008 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. In 45 appearances at Double-A Reading last year, he posted a 3.57 ERA while striking out 63 and walking 27 in 53 innings. This season, he posted impressive strikeout numbers (45 in 30.2 innings) at Triple-A Lehigh Valley while posting a 2.35 ERA and 1.141 WHIP.
Ruiz was hit in the head with a bat on a follow-through in the eighth inning against the Twins Friday night and was taken to the hospital for tests. Ruiz has not played since with a concussion, but two days ago the Phillies said they did not think he would need a stint on the disabled list.
Ruiz, who has been replaced by journeyman Dane Sardinha, will be eligible to return on July 4, when the Phillies are wrapping up a series in Pittsburgh.
"Thanks for the time Greg. Zagurski looks like Chris Farley." .....or Pukemon... -not bob levy— remyy- ...and now he stinks. One down one to go, baez better be next— jmcohn
Dobbs was a big contributer in the World Series run, but since that time, for whatever reason, has not produced. He has had opportunities to prove himself, but nothing in the tank. Maybe a change is what he needs to get his mojo back. Wish him luck wherever he ends up. Wor— dogman5- Dobbs hasn't done anything the last season and a half...and that's what happens when you don't contribute.— jondria
- Pinch hitters are what have you done for me lateliers.— Liberty4All
- Finally!!— malaysian mink
- Put Dobbs in the Wall of Fame. Daulton can go in 2012 if he's wrong about the apocalypse.— smel4727
- I don't believe it ... Greg Dobbs was designated for assignment ... There really is a God.— PhightinPhil
He was a good soldier. I bet someone will claim him off waivers. Best of luck, Dobbs. For your contributions in 2008, we fans thank you.— Poppys- Equating Dobbs with Bruntlett is a huge disservice. While neither could hit as well as Blanton, at least Bruntlett could field well at 7 positions and run fast. Dobbs is a brutal fielder at every position and slow. He brought nothing to the table.— jtj06
Now need to address the Ibanez situation.— pedge- Rollins back = Excitement!— PhillyExcitement
- Big Polish! Welcome back.— DS17
- Thank god, even my wife, who know's as much about baseball as A.R. know's about saying no to seconds, was commenting that she has never seen him get on base. He's terrible, Bye bye.
- He had one good year. This should have happened a long time a go.— irishlaxer
