With Klentak watching, Hunter rehabs for Reading
TRENTON >> The Phillies’ beleaguered bullpen is on the verge of getting a reinforcement.
Right-hander Tommy Hunter worked two scoreless rehab innings in Double-A Reading’s 9-2 victory over the Thunder on Tuesday night at Arm & Hammer Park.
“I was just trying to get six outs,” Hunter said. “It’s one of those things I’m not really worried about much. Being pitcher, you try and get three outs if you’re going an inning. I just tried to throw strikes.”
Hunter is yet to pitch for the Phillies this season after a right forearm strain forced him to the 60-day IL in April. He’s slowly began working his way toward a return with three appearances for High-A Clearwater before taking the ball for the first two inning on Tuesday night.
With GM Matt Klentak in attendance, Hunter allowed a pair of hits and struck out two as he threw 18 pitches (14 strikes) in two innings. He fanned left-handed hitters Hoy Jun Park and Ben Ruta with sliders.
“I love left-handed hitters, and that’s kind of my schtick,” Hunter said. “I’m kind of a backwards guy. Having the lefties, I feel pretty comfortable with lefties in the box. I’m kind of a reverse split guy.”
Hunter was happy to play a small part in the Fightin’ Phils’ win one night after they were nohit.
“You don’t want to suck,” Hunter said. “I’m not going to play any different for these guys than I’m going to play for anyone else. You come out and you play a baseball game and have fun with the guys. You celebrate a win with the guys and move on to the next day.”
The Phillies signed the 32-year-old Hunter to a free agent deal last season and he pitched to a 3.80 ERA in 65 appearances out of the bullpen.
The Phillies have been rocked by injuries to the pitching staff. Big-money signing David Robertson (right flexor strain) has hardly pitched, Pat Neshek (hamstring) just went back on the IL, Seranthony Dominguez (UCL damage) is likely done for the season as is Victor Arano (right elbow surgery).
They recently got valuable lefty Adam Morgan back and Hunter would at least give manager Gabe Kapler another experienced arm for high-leverage situations. Hunter said he doesn’t know where his next outing will be, but he’s eager to rejoin the big club when that time comes.
“Guys are put in situations throughout the year who weren’t expected to be put in these situations,” Hunter said. “Guys have stepped up. I look at it as a glass half full. Guys are getting opportunities to do things nobody thought they would be able to get to do. They were part of the process and doing a pretty damn good job so far. I’m going to be excited to get back and kind of help out.”