The Phillies needed a roster spot when they signed pitcher Roberto Hernandez to a one-year contract. That was the moment that once-prospect Sebastian Valle lost his spot on the Phillies' 40-man roster. However, despite the Phillies cutting him from their 40-man roster, Valle agreed to return to the Phillies on a minor-league deal.
Valle's stock had fallen so low as a catcher in the Phillies system that he was playing some left field for AA Reading as Cameron Rupp started for the Fightin' Phils and Tommy Joseph started at AAA. Nonetheless, with injuries to Carlos Ruiz, Erik Kratz, and Tommy Joseph and Humberto Quintero electing free agency from the Phillies, Valle ended up catching plenty.
In 2012 at AA Reading Valle batted just .203 and put forth an OPS of .603. Bat or no bat, there is never enough catching depth in a baseball organization. The Phillies added old friend Lou Marson on a minor league deal and there should be plenty of playing time available for Valle, too.
