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Ruiz, who has been replaced by journeyman Dane Sardinha, will be eligible to return on July 4, when the Phillies are wrapping up a series in Pittsburgh.
Ruiz to the DL.. I thought it was 'not a big deal'... And Utley doesn't have a knee injury either, right Reube??— Conshy04- Nothing like having the bats of Valdez and Castro sitting over there on the bench putting fright in the opponents setup guys and closers in close and late games. Guess they will use Cole Hamels as a second lefthanded bat off the bench when he is not starting. Gotta love our GM!— Dull
The Phillies downturn is because of Dobbs. This move smells of the Democraps....— delcodanno- This is terrific news! Any word on including Baez?— GOLDY2007
If I had the say I'd also DFA Juan Castro and call up Cody Ransom.
finally,,,dobbs rides off to the sunset— hardball- Yeah I'm not understanding the surprise here. Recently terrible players are always the first to go on the chopping block, and Dobbs fits the bill.— evolutionary
- Another crucial part of this move is the "wake-up" factor for other players that have been Dobbs' teammate since 2007. Basically, Phils put down a "made guy" to say loud and clear that playing like the 2009 Mets has consequences. Play better or your buddies (or you) lose their jobs.— eam30717
- Thanks for the time Greg. Zagurski looks like Chris Farley.— davekrieg
- Thank you Dobbs for 07 and 08 but this was the right move. Valdez has shown he is valuable at the very least as a great fielder and an adequate bat. Hopefully you can make it through waivers and fix your swing in lehigh. I doubt it but just dont go to a division foe.— Phillyphan26
- When ya gotta go, ya gotta go. Thanks for the memories Dobbs, but ya gotta go.— dapmman
- With Dobbs departing our relief pitchers or #8 hitter don't have to be replaced and have a much better chance of getting on base. Now we'll finally find out why we got Baez. He can really hit!!!!— GOLDY2007
- About damned time. He might be a nice guy but he SUCKS as a baseball player. Good luck to him. But he will not be missed. At. All.— thomaspfoolery
- can't field, no arm, can't run, can't hit for average, can't hit for power...no tool players shouldn't be in the majors— ipong
- This has been coming for some time. They have been playing Dobbers more recently not only out of necessity but I believe to try to give him a shot to provide a reason NOT to let him go. Knowing some roster moves were down the line, EPIC FAIL! -not bob levy— remyy
