Steven Lerud is new backup catcher
The Phillies, down to their fourth-string catcher, have dipped into double-A Reading for their latest replacement.
Steven Lerud is new backup catcher
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Phillies, down to their fourth-string catcher, have dipped into double-A Reading for their latest replacement.
Steven Lerud, a 27-year-old with only nine career triple-A games, was added to the 40-man roster when Brian Schneider was placed on the disabled list with a strained hamstring.
The moves make Erik Kratz the starting catcher for the foreseeable future.
"I think it's good for Kratzy," manager Charlie Manuel said. "I think he can handle that. I think that he can do it. I said before that we can beat him up."
Kratz, who had played in 11 career major-league games before 2012, has been one of the feel-good stories as the Phillies nose-dived into irrelevancy. Entering Friday, 14 of his 22 hits were for extra bases.
The 32-year-old could be playing for a backup job in 2013. Carlos Ruiz has required time on the disabled list in each of the last four seasons. The Phillies must know their backup catcher can be a regular if needed.
Manuel believes a two-week test as the everyday catcher can provide important intelligence on Kratz's future.
"That's very important," Manuel said. "That's very important to know that he can go two weeks or a month. Maybe even two months. Really. That’s very, very important."
It's Schneider's second stint on the DL this season. He missed 36 days with an ankle sprain earlier. He had been playing with the bad hamstring for a few days and the team was concerned about his availability in an emergency situation.
Lerud was summoned despite a .235 batting average and .654 OPS at double-A Reading. He spent a few weeks in big-league spring training as a non-roster player. Sebastian Valle, the only other catcher on the 40-man roster, and top prospect Tommy Joseph were not options.
"Not at this time, no," Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said. "This was the right guy for us at this time."
The Phillies would rather Valle and Joseph play every day in minor-league pennant races rather than sit on the bench in the majors. Lerud will likely see action only in a pinch.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
And to think, Iron Man Schneider was getting so close to Cal Ripken Jr.'s streak.— dasher- Tuffy Gosewisch we hardly knew ye. Maybe the Phils will buy you back.— Xyzzyx
- I think that Kratz could be a big part of next year's team. He's looked good behind the plate. He's looked good at bat. Not only will he be a fine back-up catcher but he'll be an excellent pinch hitter. He's got power. Most important, he's got the desire that some other Phillies have kind let slip.— Al Wilson
- I agree Al, Schnieder has been too fragile to back up Chooch, who hasn't exactly been an Iron Man lately either. Tommy Joseph is a lucky guy, he got traded to the right organization.— Paul SoTX
- Well, there goes out post-season hopes. :-)
Al - A lot of us saw those traits in Kratz at AAA last year. They should have let him be backup this year. Next year the job has to be his.
Xyzzyx - I wondered why they didn't keep Tuffy for this very reason: You typically don't want your everyday catcher of the future playing backup and riding the bench most days. Gosewich seemed like next in line for the journeyman/backup role to me once they finally let Schneider ride out his remaining life on the DL.
— s - Totally agree on all points, and remember discussing Kratz 8 months ago...Somewhat miffed that Gelb writes that Kratz "could be playing for a backup role next year"...In addition, he states here "The Phillies must know their backup catcher can be a regular if needed"....If that were really the case, how could they justify giving Schneider the guaranteed deal for 2012, well knowing he pulls a hammy coming out of the dugout every other week?...Regarding Tuffy, he should have been that "veteran catching depth" as he's saavy with the pitchers and so popular in the clubhouse...Hitting .290, now playing everyday in Vegas. — bearsfriend
- with schnieder out, our postseason hopes are ruined.— zwarte piet
This should give Schneider a chance to find his true calling which is watching the game on TV like the rest of us.- Would make a great beer league softball manager, Schneider's Shiners or Brian's Bangers. Ahh those days of Softball and Schmitds on tap were "Good, real good !" as Charlie would say.
— DUDESKINS - amen. enough already. instead of putting him on the DL just waive him. — coloradoeagle
- I have a feeling that Chooch will be back at the end of next week so Kratz' "iron man" gig will be short-lived. The way he is hitting, who knows, he could keep Chooch on the bench at least part-time to protect his foot and give him extra healing time. If Kratz is for real, I like him as back-up next year. He has more to offer than an antique Brian Schneider who still can call a good game but can't hit his hat size.— gotedge
- gotedge:Cholly intimated on tonight's DNL that Ruiz would be available for game action by the second week in September...but his injury, IMO,is not one to fool around with, and if Ruiz is smart, he takes that .335 BA, and he shuts it down for the season.— bearsfriend
- Hopefully this is the last time we have to watch Schneider embarass himself as a hitter. The guy should not be resigned unless there is a need for an equipment carrier or something.— eaglesman1
- If they get hot the next two weeks they are playing the right teams to make a move.— Paul SoTX
- Won't be missed. This should finally solidify Kratz into the lineup, but with this bunch, I am beginning to wonder.— DelawareRiverRat
