Phillies Make Frustrating Roster Move Between Games of Monday’s Doubleheader
By Tyler Maher
The Phillies played a doubleheader against the Braves on Monday, and doubleheaders usually mean roster moves so that teams can maximize their rosters for both games. That’s especially true in September now that rosters have expanded from 26 to 28 players, giving clubs even more options.
The Phillies made a move after losing the first game on Monday, 10-8, but it wasn’t particularly popular with fans.
Following game one of today’s doubleheader, the Phillies recalled RHP Yunior Marte from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room for him on the 28-man roster, RHP Andrew Bellatti was optioned to Lehigh Valley.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 11, 2023
Phillies Roster Move
In between games, Philadelphia called up right-handed pitcher Yunior Marte from Triple-A. In a corresponding move, the club also sent down right-handed pitcher Andrew Bellatti.
Bellatti pitched in the first game, so the idea is to have a fresh arm for the second game. Bellatti didn’t do himself any favors, either, surrendering a pair of solo homers in 1 2/3 innings of work.
Still, Marte isn’t exactly the type of pitcher who gives your bullpen a boost. In 36 appearances for the Phillies this year, he has a 5.14 ERA, a 4.52 FIP and a 1.60 WHIP in 35 appearances.
At this point of the season, there’s not much point in bringing Marte back up. We’ve already given him more than enough chances, and it just doesn’t look like he’s going to be a contributor for us this year. He hasn’t earned a spot on the postseason roster, that’s for sure.
Instead, we should be giving someone else a chance, preferably one of our younger players. Marte’s been pretty bad in both of his MLB seasons thus far, and at 28 he probably doesn’t have much of a future. Let’s get a look at someone who might actually be able to help us down the road.
The whole point of September roster expansions is to play the kids and see what you have, not bring up a scrub to confirm what you already know.
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