The Philadelphia Phillies tied the Detroit Tigers yesterday 0-0 in Grapefruit League play. Today they face off against the Baltimore Orioles at 6:05 PM. Before the game today, the Phillies made two roster moves as they continue to shape the roster ahead of Opening Day when they face off against division rival Atlanta Braves on Thursday, March 28th.
RHP – Ezequiel Ventura
Ventura a six foot one 151 lb 21 one-year-old right-hander was traded today to the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations. Last season Ventura spent time with three teams within the Phillies Minor league system. He played in the Dominican Summer League for the Phillies Red where he appeared in seven games, and went 3-0 with a 2.19 ERA over 12.1 innings. He also played nine games with the Phillies team in the Florida Complex League where he pitched 27 innings striking out 25 batters, walking 12 while having a 0-0 record, and earned one save. He finished with a 5.00 ERA and had a 1.44 WHIP. While playing two games for the Clearwater Threshers he went 1-1, with a 3.00 ERA over nine innings giving up five walks and eight strikeouts.
RHP – Jason Ruffcorn
Jason Ruffcorn a Six foot two 215-pound right-hander, was traded to the Seattle Mariners this afternoon for cash considerations. Ruffcorn appeared in 44 games last year for the Jersey Shore Blueclaws in the South Atlantic League. In the 44 games, he pitched 50.1 innings, went 4-1, had two saves, 52 strikeouts, 22 walks, 1.43 WHIP, and an ERA of 5.01 on the year.
