Phillies’ prospect Antonio Bastardo takes the mound tonight for the Fightins’ in his Major League debut.
He doesn’t get an easy assignment, going against potential future Phillie Jake Peavy. It’s a long shot that Peavy will end up in Philly this season, but Ruben Amaro has stated he’s looking for a top of the rotation kind of guy. Peavy would have to waive his no-trade clause in order to leave his Southern California paradise, and he’s sated that he doesn’t want to leave there, so that’s a huge stumbling block. It’s going to be an interesting month for the Phillies and seeing if they actually do land a pitcher.
Many people have questioned the call up of Bastardo over other pitchers such as Carlos Carrasco, Kyle Kendrick, or even Vance Worley. Bastardo was picked because he’s got the hot hand right now and has shown he can get people out. Kendrick just got demoted to Reading, Carrasco hasn’t been consistent enough, and while Worley has been good, he’s just not ready for the majors.
Plus, I think Amaro was thinking that this kid has the greatest potential for a CBP fan group since Randy Wolf. As suggested on our Facebook page, who is going to start the Fat Bastardos?
In other minor news, John Mayberry was sent back to Lehigh Valley in order to make room for Bastardo. He’ll be back up again when the Phillies play an American League team on the road, but he just wasn’t getting at-bats up here. Another move will have to be made tomorrow to bring J.C. Romero back. Probably going to have to send Sergio Escalona back down. I can’t wait to have Romero back. One more day.
-KK
