Jeremy

Horst

Horst was acquired this winter in a trade with the Reds. The 26-year-old posted a promising 2.81 ERA in 51-plus innings last year at the Triple-A level and should see action in the major leagues later this season.

Horst posted a solid 2.81 ERA and 42/14 K/BB ratio over 51 1/3 innings this year at the Triple-A level. But he’s now off the Reds’ 40-man roster and will have to work his way back next season.

Horst gets a spring training invite after being outrighted off the Reds’ 40-man roster last month. The 26-year-old southpaw had a 2.13 ERA over 12 appearances with the big club last season and a 2.81 ERA and 42/14 K/BB ratio over 51 1/3 innings with Triple-A Columbus. He’ll likely begin 2012 in the minors.

Horst registered a promising 2.81 ERA and 42/14 K/BB ratio in 51 1/3 innings last season at the Triple-A level, and was also effective during multiple stints in the major leagues. He could be a useful left-handed reliever in 2012 for the Phillies.

Horst can remain on the paternity leave list for 24 to 72 hours. The Phillies called up prospect right-hander Phillippe Aumont from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding roster move.

The hope is that Horst will help stabilize a bullpen that has been mostly wretched through the first three months of the 2012 season. The 26-year-old left-hander was rocking a 2.11 ERA in 38 1/3 innings at Triple-A.

Horst missed a couple days for the birth of his child. He will back in the Phillies’ bullpen on Thursday night.

Luckily for him, Philly’s bullpen depth is poor. A lack of attractive alternative options will only save Horst’s job for so long, however, if he keeps getting lit up at this rate. Horst posted a 1.74 ERA over 44 games in limited time the last two seasons, which is probably why the Phillies have given him as much rope as they have.

Horst was excellent for the Phillies in 2012 but has struggled to the tune of a 6.23 ERA here in 2013. He’s going to have his elbow checked out by a specialist.

The move clears a spot for Steve Susdorf on the 40-man roster. Horst recently received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his throwing elbow and is at risk for missing the rest of the season.