HAPP REHABS — J.A. Happ finally got on the mound against hitting that meant a darn on Tuesday. He pitched three innings of re-hab for High-A Clearwater, allowing only two runs and fanning one. Happ hasn’t pitched in the majors since April 15 when he injured his forearm on his throwing arm. Not much else was reported in the outing other than reports he wasn’t too impressive and would need at least one more re-hab outing before he rejoins the Phillies.
The Phillies rotation has held up surprisingly well, much better than expected. The return of Happ will bolster the Phillies pitching group hopefully in the both the bull pen and rotation. I can see Happ starting out in the pen before he makes his first start with the Phillies, hopefully swapping spots with Kyle Kendrick. Happ is 1-0 in two starts, not allowing a single earned run and striking out five. His WHIP is a little high at 1.65, suggesting he would be due to give up some runs. But after two months of not pitching, he will return a brand new pitcher and those April stats will mean nothing.
BIDDLE SIGNS WITH PHILS — A day after being drafted with the 27th pick, Jesse Biddle agreed to terms with the Phillies that he won’t sign and make official until Friday when he graduates high school.
Scouts were impressed with Biddle, whose fastball hits 94 MPH. Scout directer Marti Wolever also went on to compare Biddle to Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw.