Swindle Made to Wait, Makes MLB Debut Monday

Photo by Jonathan Small

CHARLESTON, S.C. - After an up-and-down start to his Major League Baseball career, R.J. Swindle became the first CSU baseball player to ever see action in the majors as he pitched three innings against the Mets, Monday night. Swindle was called up prior to the final two games in the Phillies series against the Atlanta Braves, but was returned to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs without having an opportunity. Just three days later, he got another call, this time heading to the Phillies' home stadium, Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

The Phillies lost the game 10-9, but Swindle saw his first action as the second man out of the bullpen. Of the four Phillies pitchers who saw action in the loss, Swindle led the way with three full innings of work, striking out a staff-high three batters.

Facing David Wright in his first appearance, Swindle drew notice from the crowd of 44,655, dropping a 55-mph curve ball in for a strike.

"I think he can get lefties out," Manager Charlie Manuel said. "I want to see him more. He gives you a different look. You're not used to seeing a guy pitch like that."

Kevin Horan of MLB.com documented Swindle's debut in an article that can be found at the following link.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080707&content_id=3086339&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi

Fans can log on to CSUSPORTS.com for updates on Swindle's progress in Philadelphia.