The Phillies have announced that they’ve designated lefty Brett Oberholtzer for assignment, a move that clears roster space for top prospect Jake Thompson, who will start today. The team also announced that it has requested release waivers on righty Andrew Bailey, who was designated for assignment earlier this week.
[Related: Philadelphia Phillies Depth Chart]
The Phillies acquired the 27-year-old Oberholtzer last offseason when they sent Ken Giles to Houston. Oberholtzer has spent the season pitching in a long-relief role in Philadelphia, posting a 4.83 ERA, 6.8 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 50 1/3 innings. He doesn’t have great velocity or an outstanding breaking pitch, so his upside appears to be limited, even though he’s left-handed and is capable of starting or relieving. He has a 4.09 ERA, 6.0 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 in parts of four big-league seasons.
Bailey’s 2016 season has been his first full, healthy campaign in years, but it hasn’t gone well, as he posted a 6.40 ERA, 9.2 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 in 32 1/3 innings. The 32-year-old former Athletics closer has pitched parts of seven big-league seasons, spending time with the Red Sox and Yankees in addition to the A’s and Phillies.
Obie has a 3.33 ERA since July 1st, and the Phillies don’t have a leftie. Should have just optioned Sevy Gonzalez or Michael Marriot
Completely agree. Don’t understand this move. I mean he’s not great, but he’s better than his ERA (remember how lights out he was in ST?) He’s at least capable of being a solid long man.
Needed a 40-man spot and they had better options in the minors
They still needed to clear a spot on the 40 man for him, so sending down Gonzalez wouldn’t have helped. Mariot already went down when Jenmar was activated, but I would rather have Obie on the 40 man than some of the others I think.
I’m not thrilled with this move either. Obie filled a need – he provided lefty long relief.
With as many young pitchers the Phillies are running out, there’s a good chance the bullpen will be getting calls in the 5th for one reason or another.
Oberholtzer will be in the middle of the Angels rotation by next week.
He won’t get out of the national league, they have first dibs with the waiver claim so one of Cincinnati, Milwaukee, San Diego or Arizona will for sure take a stab at him. Probably Milwaukee because their GM has ties to Houston & he has history with Oberholtzer.
If Oberholtzer clears, he’d a good late season innings-eater pick up. Giants, Dodgers, Orioles could use him.