Schwimer hurt? Pitcher, team have differing opinions

The Phillies activated reliever Jeremy Horst from the paternity leave list Thursday. To make room for him, the club optioned reliever Michael Schwimer to Triple A.

 

According to multiple sources, the demotion did not sit well with Schwimer. Two sources said the pitcher had recently complained of a sore arm and believed he should have been placed on the disabled list instead of being sent to the minors. Schwimer apparently made his feelings known to club personnel.

 

It is against Major League Baseball rules to send an injured player to the minors during the season. Of course, the definition of “injured player” can be subjective.

 

The usually gregarious Schwimer declined to speak with reporters as he strutted out of the clubhouse before batting practice Thursday. One person who had spoken to Schwimer said the pitcher was “making noise about his arm hurting and getting a second opinion.”

 

Players on the disabled list continue to receive major-league pay and service time. Obviously, players in the minor leagues do not receive those benefits.

Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock declined comment when asked about Schwimer and the decision to send him to the minors.

 

Schwimer has not pitched since Sunday in Milwaukee. He loaded the bases in the ninth inning on a double, a single and hit batsman then got out of the inning on two strikeouts. For the season, Schwimer is 2-1 with a 4.46 ERA in 35 games. He has allowed 30 hits in 34 1/3 innings while striking out 36 and walking 18.

 

Disputes between a player and a club over injury status are not unusual and can lead to grievances being filed. Stay tuned on this one.