Bastardo to the DL, Phillies acquire Mazone

The Phillies have made a series of minor moves in the last 24 hours.

First, as expected, the Phillies placed Antonio Bastardo on the 15 day disabled list. To take his place on the roster, but not in the rotation, the Phils called up Sergio Escalona. Escalona figures to be with the team until they need to call up another starter to take Bastardo's turn in the rotation.

That day will be Friday, when the Phillies play the Mets. The Phils moved J.A. Happ from Friday's start to Thursday, meaning they have an open spot for Friday's game. Possible candidates include Drew Carpenter, Carlos Carrasco and Rodrigo Lopez, all of whom pitch for Lehigh Valley. There is also an outside chance the Phillies could make a trade by Friday and plug the new pitcher into the rotation. Let's hope it isn't Chien-Ming Wang of the Yankees, like some of the rumors I've heard.

The Phillies also made a move today that will allow them to replace whoever they call up from Lehigh: they acquired Brian Mazone from the Dodgers. Mazone is a former Phillie farmhand who is strictly a minor league pitcher, there is no chance he will be called up to pitch for the Big Club.

I would expect the Phillies to keep tinkering with their roster over the next few days. Stay tuned!