Phillies News: Lannan to the DL, Rosenberg Called Up, Rays Interested in Delmon

After leaving Wednesday's game against the Braves after only 1 1/3 innings, John Lannan has been sent to the disabled list with right knee tendinosis. In an article posted yesterday, Matt Gelb reported that the knee issue is the same one that caused Lannan to miss two months earlier this year. Apparently, it's a "structural issue that has festered for years." Oh good.

With about five weeks left in the season, it's probably not likely that Lannan returns in 2013. And given that he has a 5.33 ERA in 14 starts this year, my guess is that Lannan won't be tendered a contract for next season. It was a noble experiment, but one that failed. His ERA this year is the highest of his career, and that's without facing the Phillies. I would say that there were a few brilliant Lannan starts this season, though. On July 8, he went eight innings and allowed no runs on four hits. He had a very similar outing on July 13 -- eight innings, four hits, one run. Lannan's July was by far his best and busiest month -- five starts and a 3.38 ERA.

To fill Lannan's spot on the roster, the Phillies have called up BJ Rosenberg. Beat writer Dennis Deitch calls Rosenberg "Mini-Mart in pitcher form", which I think is pretty funny. The Phillies have Mini-Marts everywhere! Rosenberg has not had a very successful major league career. In 22 games and 25 innings last year, he pitched to an ERA of 6.12. He pitched for the Phillies this year with even worse results. Three games, three innings, 12.00 ERA. Woof. But he's back! In the minors this year, Rosenberg has a 4.52 ERA in 28 games. He's both started and pitched out of the bullpen. This leaves me wondering who Phillippe Aumont pissed off.

And lastly, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times is reporting that the Tampa Bay Rays and Delmon Young have mutual interest in reuniting. The Rays need a right-handed bat and Delmon Young needs a job. This is not the craziest possible arrangement, as Young has good numbers against right-handed pitchers and cannot field well at all. The Rays would presumably prevent him from fielding any balls and set him up to succeed off the bench or as DH. Young refused an assignment to AAA Lehigh Valley on Wednesday and was granted his release. He'll be free to sign with other teams on Saturday. Best of luck to ya, Delmon.

This is exciting stuff, folks. The stuff that late season dreams are made of. Will someone pass the bourbon, please?