After several years of pricy contracts for veteran relievers that worked out poorly, the Phillies have tried to cheaply augment their shaky bullpen this offseason with a series of low-risk moves for pitchers who may provide value or may not even make the team.
The latest transaction came Friday when the Phillies claimed 27-year-old right-hander Reggie McClain off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. To make room on the 40-man roster, they designated Trevor Kelley for assignment. Kelley is another right-handed reliever claimed by the Phils from Boston on Dec. 2.
McClain has made just 14 major-league appearances (two starts), all for the hapless 2019 Mariners. He did have a strong year at three different minor-league levels last season including the notoriously difficult Pacific Coast League, posting a 2.23 ERA with a strikeout per inning in 72 2/3 frames.
Earlier in January, the Phils added Francisco Liriano, Bud Norris and Drew Storen on minor-league deals. All of these pitchers will compete in camp to earn bullpen spots beside locks like Hector Neris, Seranthony Dominguez (fingers crossed), Adam Morgan and Jose Alvarez. Other candidates include Cristopher Sanchez, Victor Arano, Garrett Cleavinger, Enyel De Los Santos, Austin Davis, Edgar Garcia, J.D. Hammer and Robert Stock.
Vince Velasquez could still end up in the bullpen, as could Ranger Suarez, whom new manager Joe Girardi said could also get a chance to start.
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