Phillippe

Aumont

An unusual end to an unusual career. Aumont was made the 11th overall pick in the 2007 draft by the Mariners, only to almost immediately get turned into a reliever. He was shipped off to Philly in the Cliff Lee deal in 2009, and he made 46 appearances for the Phillies from 2012-15, going 1-6 with a 6.80 ERA. After getting off to a tough start for the White Sox’s Triple-A club in 2016, he retired for the first time, but he returned in 2018. He didn’t impress then, but he was much better in indy ball last year and he looked like he had a real shot of seeing time with the Jays this year. He’s still just 31 and he was throwing hard last year, so one wonders if he’ll have another change of heart at some point.

Aumont, a one-time top prospect in the Mariners organization, pitched with the independent Canadian-American Association this past season while posting an impressive 2.65 ERA and 145/23 K/BB ratio over 118 2/3 innings. He turns 31 in January and hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2015, but the Blue Jays will take a shot on the Quebec native.

Aumont allowed six hits and four runs in four Grapefruit League innings this spring. The 23-year-old righty will function as organizational relief depth this season.

Aumont had a nice bounce-back season in 2011, posting a 2.68 ERA and 78/25 K/BB ratio over 53 2/3 innings between Double- and Triple-A. The Phillies have finally given up on the idea of him starting, and he has closer-upside as a reliever. Aumont was one of the key pieces acquired in the Cliff Lee deal during the 2009 offseason.

He’ll take the roster spot of Jeremy Horst, who was placed on the paternity leave list Monday. Aumont, who was acquired from the Mariners in the Cliff Lee deal, has a 4.26 ERA and 59 strikeouts over 44 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level this season, but he has also averaged 6.9 BB/9. He’ll likely be used in lower-leverage situations in his first taste of the big leagues.

Jonathan Papelbon had the day off after Sunday night’s blown save and loss. Aumont couldn’t hack it as a starter, but he has closer potential with his 94-98 mph fastball and sharp curve. It’d be a big lift to the Phillies’ chances if he turns into a quality setup man next year.

Aumont struck out 15 over 13 innings but also posted a 4.15 ERA and 2.08 WHIP over 16 appearances. The Phillies are likely to call up Mike Stutes prior to Friday’s game.

Aumont seems about due for a demotion. His 4.05 ERA still isn’t bad, but it’s come with a terrible 2.08 WHIP in 13 innings. All he’s doing is mopping up anyway; all but one of his 16 appearances has come in a Phillies loss.

He beat out Michael Stutes, who will likely be optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The Phillies have also announced that Rule 5 pick Ender Inciarte and Humberto Quintero have made the Opening Day roster.

Aumont has a 4.19 ERA and 1.91 WHIP in 19 1/3 innings this season at the major league level. The 24-year-old right-hander will work on his craft in the minors.