Daniel Stumpf makes pitch to stick in Phils bullpen

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Daniel Stumpf said he is here to get lefthanded hitters out, and that's what he did on Sunday.

The lefthanded pitcher retired both lefties he faced as Stumpf continued to make his case for a spot in the team's bullpen. Stumpf retired five of his six batters in a 6-5 win over the New York Yankees. His lone hit allowed was a ground-ball single. It was the first hit he allowed this spring in 32/3 innings.

Stumpf struck out lefthander Didi Gregorius in the third inning and forced lefthander Dustin Ackley to fly out in the fourth. The 25-year-old struck out two batters and walked none in 12/3 innings. Stumpf has allowed two baserunners over his two outings and retired each of his three lefthanded hitters.

"I'm new here," Stumpf said. "I'm just trying to keep my head down. Throw the ball well and try to a chance to fight for a spot. I'm just out there doing what I can."

The Phillies acquired Stumpf in the second round of the Rule 5 draft. He is one of five lefthanded relievers in camp. The Phillies spent most of last season with Elvis Araujo as their lone lefthanded option. Stumpf's Rule 5 restrictions should help his chances to make the team with a decent spring. He must be offered back to Kansas City if the Phillies drop him from the 25-man roster.

Outfielder Aaron Altherr left camp Sunday morning and flew to Philadelphia for an appointment Monday with a hand specialist after he injured his left wrist. Altherr's wrist was wrapped and in a splint on Saturday. The injury occurred Friday when he tried to dive for a ball in the first inning. Altherr removed himself from the game shortly after.

Jerad Eickhoff threw against batters Sunday morning and appeared to be nearing a return. He suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left thumb shortly before spring training opened. Manager Pete Mackanin said he still expects the righthander to be ready for the start of the season.

"He's progressing nicely. He even used his curveball," Mackanin said. "And he had no symptoms."

Fan voting for the Phillies Wall of Fame ends Monday at 5 p.m. at Phillies.com. Jim Thome and Scott Rolen lead a list of 12 names. The fan voting will determine a ballot of a three, with the winner being selected by a committee. . . . Sunday's attendance of 9,877 marked the first sellout of spring training at Bright House Field.