Phillies’ Wolf Answers the Call

Randy Wolf’s timing couldn’t have been better.

The Philadelphia Phillies recalled the 22-year-old left-hander, who was sent to triple-A Scranton before the end of spring training, and he responded with an impressive debut.

Wolf gave up one run in 5 2/3 innings for his victory Friday as the Phillies defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 8-4.

“We didn’t like the circumstances that we were dealt to get him here, but we’re sure glad we have a pitcher like Randy to step in,” Phillie Manager Terry Francona said. “In spring training, it was clear that he had zero chance of making this ballclub. We wanted him to continue his development at the triple-A level. It was something I know he understood, but you could see in his eyes that he felt he pitched well enough to be here.”

Wolf, the Phillies’ second pick in the 1997 amateur draft, was called up Wednesday when Carlton Loewer went on the 15-day disabled list because of a slight fracture of the humerus bone in his right arm.

Wolf, 4-5 with a 3.61 earned-run average at Scranton, struck out six and walked three, sending the Blue Jays to their fourth consecutive loss.

“I was thrilled with the kid,” Francona said. “He didn’t look or act like it was his first time out there on a major league field. He was poised, he held runners close, it was a very productive outing for him.”

Mike Lieberthal and Ron Gant paced the offense with two hits and three RBIs each.