In the meantime, Schwimer's addition makes 12 pitchers on the staff. The bullpen features four relievers 25 years old or younger. Schwimer, 25, has done nothing but impress at triple-A Lehigh Valley while waiting for his call.
"I know that means nothing up here," Schwimer said. "It's time to prove myself up here."
Nonetheless, the numbers were astounding. Schwimer allowed just 50 hits in 67 innings while striking out 86 and walking only 22. His ERA was 1.88 and he stranded 15 of 21 inherited runners.
But the Phillies summoned his teammates, such as Andrew Carpenter and Juan Perez, before Schwimer. That taught the lanky righthander the virtue of patience. He was called into the office by IronPigs pitching coach Rod Nichols following Tuesday's game when assistant general manager Chuck LaMar broke the news. LaMar asked Schwimer if he knew which roads lead to Philadelphia.
"It caught me by surprise, to be honest," Schwimer said.
Schwimer's fastball usually hovers in the low 90s, but a greater confidence in his change-up and the effectiveness of his slider drive his success.
"I don't really care about my fastball velocity," Schwimer said. "I rely upon deception and control. I'm not a power guy."
And even if Schwimer is around for only a few days, he'll be back in September and very much a part of the discussion for next season's bullpen. A stellar minor-league track record warrants it.
"You can't ask for a better situation than this," Schwimer said. "Coming to the best team in baseball as a 25-year-old kid, it's a dream come true."
Ruiz out
Manager Charlie Manuel's lineup was not posted on the clubhouse board until about an hour before game time Wednesday. That's because the Phillies manager was holding out hope to include his catcher, Carlos Ruiz, who took a foul ball in a not-so-happy spot during Tuesday's sixth inning.
Ruiz had his groin area - or "family jewels," as Manuel called it - examined by a doctor. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the injury was officially diagnosed as a left-testicle contusion. He should miss only a day or two. Not that that helps ease the pain.
Brian Schneider started in Ruiz's place.
Extra bases
Kyle Kendrick will take Cole Hamels' spot in the rotation Saturday in Washington. Hamels played catch Wednesday and is scheduled for a bullpen session Friday. . . . Joe Blanton said he could possibly throw a bullpen session sometime next week for the first time. Blanton was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Wednesday, but that has no bearing on his return. The Phillies are still hoping for Blanton to pitch out of the bullpen in September. . . . Schwimer was issued No. 39, making him the first on the active roster to wear it since Brett Myers left in 2009.
