The Phillies bullpen was nothing short of spectacular last night. They allowed only one run on four hits in ten innings of work. Unfortunately they used every bullpen arm they had and actually had tonight’s starter, Kyle Kendrick ready to pitch the 14th inning. Given the needed rest the bullpen needs this evening, the Phillies have recalled pitcher Andrew Carpenter.

Carpenter was one of the Phillies top minor league pitchers last season when he went 17-6 with a 3.20 ERA for Class A Clearwater. This season Carpenter hasn’t found the same success. He struggled with his weight to begin the season, which actually caused him to miss a month of the season, and he struggled against Double A hitting. This season Carpenter is 9-11 with a 4.68 ERA between Single & Double A.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Phillies have designated Andy Tracy for assignment.

After last night’s marathon I figured the Phillies would bring up a pitcher for depth, but recalling Carpenter is somewhat of a surprise. He’s only a year removed from Single A ball, and was unable to get batter’s out at the Double A level. To think he’ll make any type of impact at the major league level is a stretch. Recalling Les Walrond, Brian Mazone, or Kris Benson (who is on the mound tonight for Lehigh Valley), would have been a better option.

Speaking of Benson, the Phillies also made another roster move today, moving Mike Zagurski to the 60-day disabled list, opening up a spot on the 40-man roster. With Benson healthy, and rosters expanding on Monday, he could be very well be added to the roster and pitching this September in Philadelphia.