The Phillies added depth at catcher Thursday as they called up veteran catcher Paul Hoover.
Hoover, 33, got the call to back up Carlos Ruiz and Paul Bako. He spent the entire season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley where he hit .253 with 16 doubles, one homer and 28 RBI in 73 games.
With the IronPigs he threw out 14 of 55 potential base stealers -- nothing stellar there. But, what makes Hoover a bit more attractive was his .344 average against left-handed pitching while playing for Lehigh Valley. He could be a suitable right-handed bat off the bench against southpaws.
Hoover played 28 games in parts of five seasons with Tampa Bay and Florida. He has a career .230 average with one double and 5 RBI in 76 major-league plate appearances.
To make room for Hoover on the 40-man roster the Phils designated minor-league catcher Joel Naughton for assignment.
In another move the Phillies activated left-handed pitcher Antonio Bastardo and sent him to Double-A Reading. The 23-year-old Dominican made five starts for the Phillies posting a 6.75 ERA and a 2-3 record before he was shut down with arm troubles.
Also right-hander Clay Condrey will pitch a rehab assignment Saturday with Lehigh Valley. The 33-year-old can hopefully return soon to the Phillies pen.
