There goes the bullpen: Romero, Durbin to the DL

The bullpen has repeatedly been taxed all season long, going multiple innings after one Phillies starter after another has a short outing. That heavy workload has already forced Clay Condrey, Scott Eyre and Brad Lidge to be out for parts of the season, and now two more Phillies will spend some time on the DL.

J.C. Romero and Chad Durbin have both been placed on the 15 day disabled list. Romero hasn't pitched since July 19th, so he could be placed retroactive to that date, while Durbin pitched yesterday. Officially, Romero is out with a left forearm strain and Durbin has a right lat strain, but both pitchers are likely dealing with tired arms. With the Phillies up 6 games in the NL East and cruising, it's the right time to give the bullpen arms a rest. Losing each stretches the bullpen thinner, especially with Durbin's versatility and Romero's left-handedness, but if there was a time to rest the bullpen, it's now.

Called up in their places were Tyler Walker and Andrew Carpenter. Walker was just recently sent down to Lehigh and Carpenter was up early in the year and made a start against the Nationals.

The Phillies bullpen has been taxed all season long, so all of these injuries aren't surprising. The starting pitchers need to pitch their way deeper into games, or this 'pen could be completely worn out come playoff time. Of course, the acquisition of Roy Halladay, an innings eater, would be perfect. The strained bullpen also makes the signing of Pedro Martinez, a 5 inning guy, look puzzling.

As I like to do from time to time, I have updated the Phillies bullpen roles. These are just my best guess at what the roles will be for the bullpen pieces, although things like using Brad Lidge in a game where you have a 3 run deficit can still happen.

Long relief:
Chan Ho Park
Andrew Carpenter

Situational Lefty:
Scott Eyre

6th inning:
Tyler Walker

7th inning:
Clay Condrey

8th inning:
Ryan Madson

Closer:
Brad Lidge

Phillies bullpen roulette continues: Walker up, Escalona down

Extra inning games, rain delays, injuries and general ineffectiveness have taken their toll on the Phillies bullpen, so they are forced to once again call on reinforcements. First, Kyle Kendrick had a shot, but he got sent down after reminding us just how bad a pitcher he really is. Next up was Sergio Escalona, who had previously not given up any runs in his big league appearances. After giving up three hits, walking two and giving up a pair of runs yesterday, Escalona has also been sent back the minors.

Enter Tyler Walker. The Phillies called up the 33 year old veteran who last pitched in the majors with the Giants in 2008 and posted a 4.56 ERA in 53 innings. He was the Giants 8th inning setup guy for most of last year, but figures to be in much more low-leverage situations with the Phillies. Still, Walker is a veteran pitcher who could stick if he is effective.

I figured I might as well update the bullpen roles since they are changing daily! The Phillies seem to be missing a lefty specialist now, since Taschner is more likely to pitch multiple innings than to just one batter. I've listed Chad Durbin twice because he has shown he can fill either role.

Long relief:
Chan Ho Park
Chad Durbin

Lefty who can go multiple innings:
Jack Taschner

7th inning:
Clay Condrey
Tyler Walker

8th inning:
J.C. Romero
Chad Durbin

Closer:
Ryan Madson