Phillies designate J.C. Romero for assignment

Due to the doubleheader yesterday, the Phillies needed to call up a pitcher to take the mound on Saturday against the Mariners. Enter Vance Worley, who was recalled from Lehigh Valley. To make room for Worley, the Phillies made a somewhat surprising move and designated J.C. Romero for assignment.

What makes the move surprising is that the Phillies could have easily sent David Herndon down to the minors without having to shake anything up. DFAing Romero makes sense based on how poorly he has pitched this season but it also leaves the Phillies with just one lefty out of the pen. The plan in the long run could be to call up Mike Zagurski or acquire another lefty to be a LOOGY behind Antonio Bastardo.

As for Romero, he now has 10 days to wait and see if he will be claimed. If he goes unclaimed, he could be sent to the minors. I could easily see another team taking a chance on Romero, who isn't too far removed from being an effective pitcher, so don't be surprised if we've seen the last of him in a Phillies uniform.