Pinto was sent down to Triple-A Lehigh Valley outright on Thursday after clearing waivers. Since then, the team has disclosed that Pinto has chosen to enter free agency rather than accept his promotion to the minor levels. Now that he has the chance, he should try to sign with a different team and find out if any other MLB bullpens have openings for 40-man roster positions.

After being called up at the last minute and traveling six hours by vehicle from upstate New York to make his maiden bullpen appearance during the game against the Cincinnati Reds on April 2, Pinto had an amazing start to his Phillies career. Pitching four innings, he gave up just one earned run in a heroic 12-out save that will go down in history.

The 30-year-old’s career has taken a nosedive after that performance. MLB hitters pounded him, and he ended up with a 2.25 WHIP, 10.97 ERA, and a marked lack of command on the mound.

Though it seems unlikely that Pinto would be trusted with a roster position with the Phillies again this season, it is still possible that he will accept a spot with Lehigh Valley after considering opportunities with other ballclubs.

Phillies place Yunior Marte on the 15-day injured list and call up José Ruiz.
As we approach the first week of May, Yunior Marte has emerged as one of the early season highlights from a Phillies bullpen that is still undergoing changes. Due to what has been termed as irritation in his right shoulder, the team placed Marte on a 15-day intermission on Friday. After 13 1/3 innings, he leaves with a strong 2.70 ERA, 1.275 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts against five walks.
The Phillies bullpen is already suffering in some spots thus early in the season, and Marte’s departure severely affects that bullpen further given that fellow right-handed reliever Seranthony Domínguez is having trouble producing huge outs in high-leverage situations.
Marte’s spot on the roster was taken by right-hander José Ruiz, who was called up by the Phillies. In an attempt to contribute to the Phillies bullpen, the seven-year MLB veteran will try to replicate some of his early-season success at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Ruiz has an excellent WHIP of 0.909, three saves, 13 strikeouts, and an ERA of 1.64 in 11 innings thrown in Triple-A this season.

It will be good if Ruiz can step in and put up some strong innings while Marte is away for a few weeks at least to start May.