Category: Erik Kratz

Quintero Heads List of Nine Non-Roster Spring Training Invitees for Phillies

by John Russo

The Phillies invited nine non-40-man roster players to Spring Training this season. The list is headed by free agent catcher Humberto Quintero, who is the top candidate to back-up Erik Kratz while Carlos Ruiz serves his 25-game suspension. Quintero will compete with prospects Tommy Joseph and Sebastian Valle for that spot. Quintero, 33, hit .232 … Continue reading Quintero Heads List of Nine Non-Roster Spring Training Invitees for Phillies

Phillies Catcher Carlos Ruiz Suspended 25 Games For Amphetamines

by John Russo

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, coming off of a career season, was suspended 25 games today. The All-Star catcher was said to have been using and amphetamine called Aderall, which is an energy booster, an agent used to mask steroid use. He will miss the first 25 games of the 2013 season. Ruiz released a statement after … Continue reading Phillies Catcher Carlos Ruiz Suspended 25 Games For Amphetamines

Bullpen Blows Lead; Phillies Winning Streak Snapped

by John Russo

Astros 6, Phillies 4 WP – Wesley Wright (1-2, 3.33) LP – Phillippe Aumont (0-1, 3.00) SV – Wilton Lopez (5) HOUSTON — Throwing strikes killed the Phillies bullpen and their seven-game winning streak. Phillippe Aumont and Jake Diekman looked bad in the 8th inning and Jed Lowries two-out, two-run double was the result of … Continue reading Bullpen Blows Lead; Phillies Winning Streak Snapped

Injury Update: Polanco, Ruiz, Worley

by John Russo

POLANCO’S SEASON DONE — The 2012 season has come to a close for third baseman Placido Polanco. The Phillies put Polanco on the 15-day DL with back inflammation, but with it being in September it is easy to think he will stay there for the remainder of the season. This will enable Kevin Frandsen to play … Continue reading Injury Update: Polanco, Ruiz, Worley

Kratz, Utley Homers Sets Early Tone in Phillies Win

by John Russo

Phillies 6, Reds 2 WP – Roy Halladay (9-7, 3.87) LP – Mike Leake (7-9, 4.23) CINCINNATI — Getting to Reds starting pitcher Mike Leake early and often was the goal for Philadelphia. They did so in the 2nd inning. After a Domonic Brown RBI single, Erik Kratz hit a three-run homer that blew the … Continue reading Kratz, Utley Homers Sets Early Tone in Phillies Win

Phillis Epically Collapse In 9th

by John Russo

Braves 8, Phillies 7 WP – Peter Moylan (1-0, 0.00) LP – Jonathan Papelbon (3-6, 3.02) ATLANTA — Words still can’t describe what happened to the Phillies Sunday evening. In a season filled with lows and late-inning collapses, the lowest point hit Sunday. The Phillies bullpen coughed up a four-run lead in the 9th inning, … Continue reading Phillis Epically Collapse In 9th

Kratz Ties It and Mayberry Ends In It Comeback Win

by John Russo

Phillies 8, Braves 5 WP – Josh Lindblom (3-3, 3.58) LP – Christhian Martinez (5-4, 4.39) SV – Jonathan Papelbon (31) ATLANTA — Erik Kratz may have won the backup catcher spot for the 2013 season. The 31-year-old catcher, getting plenty of time during Carlos Ruiz’s injury, hit a towering home run in the top … Continue reading Kratz Ties It and Mayberry Ends In It Comeback Win

Phillies Place Schneider On DL; Select Lerud from Reading

by John Russo

PHILADELPHIA — The chances of Brian Schnieder returning next year are growing slimmer. The Phillies placed the 35-year-old backup catcher on the DL today with a strained hamstring. To fill his spot, they called up catcher Steven Lerud from Reading. Sebastian Valle was in AAA but the Phillies didn’t want to call him up because … Continue reading Phillies Place Schneider On DL; Select Lerud from Reading

Yayberry: Mayberry Jr Walks It Off In the 11th

by Team to Beat

By Chris Bengel and John Russo Phillies 4, Reds 3 (11 innings) WP – Raul Valdes (3-2, 3.14) LP – Alfredo Simon (2-2, 2.49) PHILADELPHIA — Three times were a charm for the Phillies. After failing to bring home the winning run in the 9th and 10th innings with runners in scoring positon, the Phillies … Continue reading Yayberry: Mayberry Jr Walks It Off In the 11th

Mayberry, Howard Lead Phillies In Offensive Outburst

by John Russo

Phillies 12, Reds 5 WP – Roy Halladay (7-7, 3.95) LP – Mike Leake (5-8, 4.59) PHILADELPHIA — On a day where Roy Halladay didn’t have his best stuff, the offense provided him with enough so he didn’t have to be. Big days by John Mayberry and Ryan Howard fueled a 12-5 romp of the … Continue reading Mayberry, Howard Lead Phillies In Offensive Outburst