Cameron Rupp added to Phillies camp
Cameron Rupp arrived from Texas, expecting to share a room with 170 minor-league players at the Carpenter Complex. Then he received a phone call.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Cameron Rupp arrived from Texas, expecting to share a room with 170 minor-league players at the Carpenter Complex.
"Then they called," Rupp said.
So, instead, Rupp was issued No. 65 and a locker in the middle of the spacious Phillies clubhouse at Bright House Field. Rupp was added to major-league camp Saturday morning.
With catcher Sebastian Valle headed to play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, the Phillies needed another backstop. Rupp, 24, said he will be in camp "until they tell me to leave."
Rupp, a third-round pick in 2010, thrilled Phillies people with a solid season at single-A Clearwater. He batted .267/.345/.424 while playing in 104 games.
His ascension makes a difficult decision even tougher. The Phillies have three young catchers — Rupp, Valle and Tommy Joseph — who need playing time. Both Valle and Joseph played at double A in 2012. Rupp, the oldest of the bunch, should be due for a promotion there in 2013.
For now, he will enjoy the extra space.
The Phillies have 59 players in major-league camp. They will lose seven to the WBC.
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