Danys Baez Sent Down to Make Room For Brad Lidge
By: Mike Reisman
After 29 games of a torturous 6.25 ERA, Phillies reliever Danys Baez was sent down today
according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick in order to make space for Brad Lidge who is finally returning from his rehab stint in the minors. Lidge looks to pick up where he left off last year, throwing for a 0.73 ERA in 26 games in August, September, and October, holding opposing hitters to a batting average of just .131.
Lidge will likely take Baez's spot as a middle reliever, most likely someone to pitch the 7th inning, serving as a bridge to Ryan Madson and Antonio Bastardo.
Baez has done a poor job this season, going 2-4 with an ERA of 6.25 (as stated earlier) and a WHIP of 1.56. Baez has also allowed at least one run in 12 of his 29 games, far from the stats of a shutdown reliever. Since the Phillies signed him before the 2010 season, Baez has been far from productive with a 5.81 ERA, accumulating a pitiful WAR of -1.5 (according to baseball reference). He is in his contract year, however, that hasn't seemed to motivate him at all, as this is the worst he's had since 2007.
Lidge will most likely be available for tonight's game, however no announcement has been made. Even if he is ready, don't expect a large workload for the hero of 2008, as Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee will probably want to be cautious with Lidge.