Phils waive Carpenter; Could be eying Rowand

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MIAMIThe Phillies cleared a spot on their 40-man roster when pitcher Andrew Carpenter was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Padres on Friday.

We needed some roster spacejust in case, said general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

The Phillies 40-man roster now stands at 39. The team could fill the open spot in the coming days, either by activating pitcher Joe Blanton from the 60-day disabled list or by adding a player who has been let go by another organization.

That player could be Aaron Rowand. The veteran outfielder was designated for assignment by San Franciscoon Tuesdayand could be a fit on the Phillies bench for the remainder of the regular season if the Giants release him. Rowand would not be eligible for postseason play.

Rowand, who played for the Phils in 2006 and 2007, is a favorite of manager Charlie Manuel and the club has had a longstanding interest in bringing him back. The Giants still havea week totrade or release Rowand. If they release him, he would become a free agent and the Giants would be on the hook for the nearly 14 million that remains on his salary through next season.

If the Phils make an addition before Blanton is ready to be activated, they would have to waive another player to clear a spot for Blanton on the 40-man roster. Blanton, recovering from a right elbow injury, was scheduled to pitch an inning for Single A Lakewood on Friday night and is tentatively scheduled to work another inning on Monday.

Carpenter, a 26-year-old righthander, appeared in 11 games for the Phillies from 2008-2011 and was 1-1 with an 8.53 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 1.79 ERA in 34 relief appearances for Triple A Lehigh Valley this season. Carpenter will join the Padres on Saturday.

The Phillies had previously waived Carpenter in spring training and he cleared waivers. He was added to the 40-man roster again in June.

E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com.

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