Philadelphia Phillies Release Chad Durbin, Recall Joe Savery

Chad Durbin has pitched poorly this season, prompting the Phillies to release him Friday. (Image Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports)

Veteran right-handed reliever Chad Durbin was given his unconditional release by the Philadelphia Phillies prior to their game on Friday. Left-hander Joe Savery was called up to take his place on the active roster and in the bullpen.

Durbin had joined the Phillies on a one year, $1.1 Million deal that he signed back in January. The deal contained a club option for a second year. Durbin has been beyond ineffective, however, for a Phillies team that has struggled much of the season. In 16.0 IP he’s allowed 16 earned runs, 25 hits, and 9 walks. The performance drew the ire of the Phillies Faithful, as Justin Klugh at That Ball’s Outta Here reminds us with regards to Durbin’s departure:

"Is this the first of many roster moves to try and fix the Phillies? Nobody would call the release of Durbin as the fuse lit to blow up the team, so perhaps the Phillies still believe, as they hover around .500, that if they dump some of the more adamantly incompetent pieces, they can still make a run at this thing."

Savery has pitched 22.1 IP for Philadelphia’s Triple-A affiliate on the year, going 3-1 with a 4.03 ERA, 1.119 WHIP, and 11.7 K/9 in 18 appearances. He’s made one appearance for the Phillies Major League club, throwing a scoreless inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in late April.