By Scott Barancik/Jewish Baseball News

It’s been a tough week for Jewish baseball fans. Two struggling players have been sent down to the minors, and a third may be on his way.

On Wednesday (5/9/2012), the Philadelphia Phillies optioned reliever Michael Schwimer back to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA). Schwimer had struggled since being called up in late April, compiling an uncharacteristic 0-1 record and 8.53 ERA in five appearances.

And today (5/10/2012), the Minnesota Twins optioned 3B Danny Valencia to the Rochester Red Wings (AAA). Valencia hasn’t played in the minors since 2010, when he made the most of a mid-season call-up, hitting .311 for the Twins and finishing 3rd in voting for the A.L. Rookie of the Year award. But the Miami native had a disappointing sophomore season and was hitting just .190 for the Twins in 2012, with just 1 HR and 11 RBIs in 100 at-bats.

New York Mets 1B Ike Davis could face a similar fate if he doesn’t improve significantly on his .179 batting average. He may have earned a brief reprieve Wednesday (5/9/2011) by clubbing a three-run HR and a single in a 10-6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

A tip of the cap to Jewish Baseball News contributor Zev Ben Avigdor for the heads-up on Schwimer and Valencia.

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