Phils Call Up R.J. Swindle From Lehigh

The 700 Level reader Josh gets his wish. Earlier today, Josh in the comments had this to say, "They should call up RJ Swindle.  He's 1-0, 1.93 in AAA with 32 K, 5 BB, and 0 HR in 23.1 IP."

The Good Phight has an interview with Swindle from June 4th.

TGP: Is there a big-league pitcher, past or present, who you think you’re most like?

RJ: I really enjoy watching Jamie Moyer pitch, always have. I took an interest in Mike Myers too, although I don't think he is up right now anymore.

Swindle call up first reported on Comcast Sportsnet.

Comments

[PhillyFriar]

Fantastic news. I was so sure that the Phils were dismissing him as a "soft tosser" and relegating him to minor league purgatory, but the numbers don't lie, and someone in the Phils' front office was paying attention.

Can't wait to see someone's knees buckle when they see a 55 mph curveball.

[What?!?!]

Anyone have a video of this kid's curve?

[Bryan]

No video....but let me just tell you it's filthy.

[GreggyD]

I can't tell you how excited I am about this move. I was so set on them settling for Happ, Benson, or Carrasco. While I wouldn't mind seeing Happ up here to see what he can do, I don't think Benson or Carrasco are ready. Swindle is a name that is fresh and that's something this team needs. Myers was a dead horse that just kept getting kicked over and over again.

Hopefully RJ is exactly what this rotation needs. Hamels has got it together as always, Kendrick is looking fantastic, Eaton really isn't pitching all that badly, and Moyer is his consistent self on the mound and will keep them in any game. Swindle should fit in nicely also. It sounds like he will latch onto Jamie Moyer when he gets here, which is probably the best thing he could ever do. While I'm not expecting him to necessarily put up the numbers noted above, I have a good feeling about this.

[Joe Manning]

Wow - alot of enthusiasm for this guy ...

I never heard of him - but I hope you guys are right ... and not just easily swindled ...

[benjamin]

May the force be with him...

What? He's going to need it...

[Kulp]

Winner: Josh @ 5:34 pm in Brett Myers post.

"They should call up RJ Swindle."

[Josh]

Awesome.

[Justin Evans]

R.J. Swindle isn't coming up to start is he? He hasn't started all year.

[Sophist]

No, Swindle isn't coming up to start, I wouldn't think. He's a relief pitcher.

Best wishes to RJ!

[Johnny G]

Josh FTW... what are tomorrows lotto picks?

[Justin Evans]

That's what I figured Sophist. Hopefully he can be the other lefty out of then that we need.

[Jonn]

So who starts if they refuse to tamper with the BP? I'm still hoping for Durbin.

[Pete D]

So if this is Myers' roster spot and Swindle is going to be in the pen, where is the starter coming from? Has to be Chad Durbin right?

[Pete D]

From phillies.com:
"Manager Charlie Manuel said late Tuesday that Swindle was brought up because the Phillies are without Clay Condrey, who won't likely rejoin the team until Thursday. He is in Texas with his wife, who is having a baby. "

[Krall]

So is RJ just up until Condrey is back? My hope is that we can fill that starting position and when Myers comes back have him split the setup roll with Flash. If we could market him as a closer we might be able to pick up a quality starter. He obviously belongs in the pen and there is no reason for us to keep him and Lidge there.

[John]

The Phillies should use the whole Myers sucking balls thing to their advantage. They should call up some AAA guys and see if they have what it takes. If there ever was a time to do it, the time is now. Even if they call up a guy just to pitch one game, send him down and call up another I'd be fine with it. They got lucky with Kendrick, maybe they can get lucky again.

[TH]

It's about fucking time.