Michael

Schwimer

Schwimer surrendered five hits and two earned runs in 4 2/3 innings this spring in the Grapefruit League. The 26-year-old right-hander will act as relief depth this year.

He’ll take the place of the injured Michael Stutes (shoulder) on the active roster. Schwimer made 12 appearances with the Fightins last season and had a 1.04 ERA and 9/3 K/BB ratio over 8 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level to begin this season. He’ll pitch in middle relief.

He was sent down in order to make room for Cliff Lee’s return from the disabled list. Schwimer has an ugly 8.53 ERA and 3/5 K/BB ratio over 6 1/3 innings with the Phillies this season and will look for improvement against lesser competition in the minors.

Schwimer had refused to report previously because he thought he should have been placed on the DL with an elbow injury rather than being demoted. He received a second opinion, and although the results haven’t been revealed, he presumably has been given a clean bill of health.

He’ll take the place of Jose Contreras (elbow) on the active roster. Contreras is likely dealing with a major injury and will undergo an MRI on Saturday. Schwimer has an 8.53 ERA in six appearances with the Phillies this season and will be used in middle relief.

Schwimer was optioned to the minors six days ago, but he didn’t report immediately after claiming that he had an elbow injury. However, it appears that the Phillies finally convinced him to show up. There are only a few days left in the Triple-A regular season, so assuming Schwimer is healthy, he should be back with the big club in September.

Schwimer expressed frustration after being optioned to the minors last week and believed he should have been placed on the disabled list instead. However, he is expected to report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, so it’s fair to assume he was cleared of any injury.

Schwimer is trying to fight the transaction, claiming that he was injured and should have been placed on the 15-day disabled list. “He’s not in Lehigh Valley, but we don’t plan on taking any action,” GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said Monday. “I really can’t comment on anything else.”

Schwimer has posted a 4.46 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 34 1/3 innings this season for the Phillies. He’ll probably be brought back up after rosters expand September 1.

Schwimer put up a 4.46 ERA over 35 contests for the Phillies this season. He’ll be in the mix for a bullpen spot next spring.