Wolf, a 22-year-old lefty, was one of seven pitchers shipped off to the minors as the Phils made their first cuts of the spring.
Also sent out were David Coggin, Rob Burger, Sean Fesh, Tony Fiore, Steve Schrenk and Anthony Shumaker.
Wolf was the most notable cut because he's the best and brightest pitching prospect the Phillies have. There's a good chance he'll be in Philadelphia sometime this season.
``It wouldn't surprise me one bit if he pushes us into talking about him,'' manager Terry Francona said of Wolf. ``I have no doubt he could survive up here right now. But we have to fight ourselves and make sure he's ready. There isn't one of us here who doesn't doubt this kid is going to be a winner.''
Francona compared Wolf's situation to Carlton Loewer's one year ago. At this time last year, Loewer was knocking on the door of Veterans Stadium. But the Phillies wanted to make sure he was ready, so they sent him back to triple A.
In 12 starts at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Loewer went 7-3 with a 2.87 ERA. He proved he was ready and was rewarded with a promotion in June.
Wolf had mixed emotions when he got the news yesterday. He knew it was coming, but it's never easy to walk away from big-league camp.
``I understand the decision,'' he said. ``Selfishly, I would like them to think differently. But I respect the decision because I know they're looking out for my best interest and the club's best interest.''
Loewer knew exactly what was going through Wolf's mind yesterday.
``This is where you want to play,'' Loewer said. ``It's not much fun leaving here. It's hard to see it now, but in the long run it turns out to be for the best. Randy knows what he can do. He knows he'll be back here.''
