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Bailey vows a return to the big leagues

Andrew Bailey took his demotion in stride and vowed to be back to the Major Leagues before too long.

Bailey was among four players the Phillies reassigned to the minor leagues on Friday night, joining catcher J.P. Arencibia, outfielder Will Venable and righthander Ernesto Frieri.

"I have to go out and pitch and stay healthy and as long as I stay healthy, I will be up for sure," Bailey said before Saturday's game at Citizens Bank Park between the Phillies and their prospects.

A product of Paul VI High who grew up in Haddon Heights, New Jersey, Bailey says that he is feeling healthy after battling a number of injuries over the years, including shoulder surgery that forced him to miss the 2014 season.

He was given the news after his best outing of the spring when he threw two hitless and scoreless innings in Friday's 8-7 loss to the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

Bailey has a May 1 opt-out date but until then, he says he will do his best at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

He said that while it is frustrating to be sent down, there is no chance he will have a letdown pitching in Triple-A.

"No, we get to play a game for a living and no matter what level it is, that is something that never changes," he said. "We get to do what we love and have to take the good with the bad."

On Friday manager Pete Mackanin says that Bailey has to work on his command.

Bailey made nine appearances this spring, pitching 10 innings. He struck out eight and walked one and had a 4.50 ERA, which spiked upwards after he allowed three earned runs in one inning during a 7-5 loss to the Minnesota Twins on March 22.

"In  my opinion I had one bad outing and couple little hits and that stuff," Bailey said. "I know how to pitch."

And he insists it will be in the Major Leagues in the not too distance future.

Last year while recovering from his shoulder surgery he pitched at four minor league levels before ending the season by appearing in 10 games for the New York Yankees.

A two-time all-star in Oakland, Bailey, who turns 32 on May 31, says that even though he isn't starting the season at his desired destination, there is no bigger motivator than to prove he belongs. He also appreciates the opportunity to put on the uniform.

"Nobody is bigger than the game," he said. "Although players feel they deserve to be in the big leagues, sometimes you have to put your time in."