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De Fratus Joins Diekman in Phillies Bullpen

De Fratus is back after arm issues (AP)

The Phillies youth movement in the bullpen continues. On Saturday, lefty Jake Dikeman was recalled from Lehigh Valley and on Sunday Justin De Fratus made the trip to meet the Phillies in Atlanta.

Diekman’s control was the issue and the reason why he was demoted. That continued with the Iron Pigs as he walked 10 batters in 11 1/3 innings. I think we all know he could be a dominant force in the bullpen if he can ever hone his control. But until then, it’ll be a lot of back and forth.

De Fratus had arm trouble much of this season and did not debut with Lehigh Valley until July. Since then, the results have been positive, as De Fratus sports 2.49 ERA. What stands out are the three walks and 22 strikeouts he has delivered in over 21 innings.

Both pitchers could be leaned upon heavily next season in the Phillies bullpen. September now seems like a late-season spring training for guys like Rosenberg, Aumont, and the two recently-recalled pitchers now with the club.

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.