2:27pm: Righty reliever Brandon Kintzler and outfielder Matt Joyce, who also signed minors pacts, have earned roster spots, Matt Gelb of The Athletic tweets. Kintzler will make $3MM, while Joyce’s salary isn’t known yet.
Long an effective, grounder-inducing late-game option, Kintzler piled up 12 saves and recorded a 2.20 ERA over 24 1/3 frames. While the 36-year-old notched ugly strikeout and walk percentages (13.9 and 10.9, respectively), his 57.3 percent groundball mark once again helped him keep runs off the board at a quality clip.
Joyce, also 36 and Kintzler’s teammate in Miami last year, has been an on-base threat for most of his career. He slashed .252/.351/.331 with two home runs in a limited role (46 plate appearances) in 2020.
2:10pm: Veteran left-handed reliever Tony Watson has opted out of his minor league contract with the Phillies, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.
Watson, whom the Phillies signed during the winter, would have earned a somewhat hefty $3MM salary had he cracked their roster. Considering the Phillies would like to stay under the luxury-tax threshold, it’s not that surprising that they’re unwilling to pay Watson that sum – especially in light of his struggles this spring. The 35-year-old allowed four earned runs in five innings and surrendered nine hits in exhibition play, though he did total seven strikeouts against two walks. His exit leaves the Phillies with Jose Alvarado, JoJo Romero, Damon Jones and Ranger Suarez – all on the 40-man roster – as their primary southpaw relievers.
As for Watson’s next step, he should at least be able to land another minors deal somewhere, as the former Pirate, Dodger and Giant has regularly produced good results. Owner of a lifetime 2.80 ERA, Watson logged a 2.50 mark and a 3.75 SIERA over 18 innings in San Francisco last season. He also amassed 15 strikeouts against three walks, posted a 50 percent groundball rate and was tough on both lefty and righty hitters.
He’d be a good fit for (insert team name here). Also, dumpster fire, dumpster diver, change of scenery and bag of balls. That should cover about 90% of the comments here
Really? The Phillies needed him. This is not a wise move by the Phillies to let him go, probably he was not included in the opening day roster.
He’s trying to be funny. Give the kid a laugh.
I mean, the comment is pretty spot on…
@Francys01 There is a difference between letting someone go and someone opting out. I would have liked to have kept Watson for sure, but lots of bullpen arms impressed in spring training.
I know what you are saying. I believe Watson opted out because he was told he was not making the roster. Therefore, he is trying to find another opportunity with another club.
He opted out as an article XX-B free agent signee, after being told he wouldn’t make the opening day roster.
Right for sure. They picked Joyce and Kintzler instead.
Wow aren’t you a smart one.
A+ comment
Don’t forget “Chaim Bloom get in on this!”
he would not be a good fit for the giants, or phillies
Dodgers, please make this happen. Another lefty in the BP would be fantastic. I know we don’t need him, but the fit is really nice and would allow Price to eventually become a starter in the season. We need another good lefty in the ‘pen.
I assume you didn’t see him pitch this spring. He was really bad and had no life on his pitches. Dodgers can do much better.
He is going to be alright. He has been a great reliever for many years. Sometimes players struggles in spring training, but they get back to normal and performs well once the season starts or starting playing well during the season.
I’m guessing the Dodgers feel comfortable with the lefties they have or they wouldn’t have traded Kolarek.
If by BP you mean batting practice…
I like it.
Replace Scott Alexander with Tony Watson and the dodgers are probably better off.
I’ve long been a fan of Watson. I hope that this isn’t the end of the line for him.
i doubt that. wasnt amazing in ST but was hardly garbage.
well I think as of the three batter rule his career became limited, he is definitely more of a lefty specialist that does not throw well to right handers
Career splits OPS+
Vs righties 105
Vs lefties 90
There is a difference, but it isn’t pronounced.
Kinda lets you know how tough life on the fringes of an MLB roster can be… The guy got only five innings to prove himself…
With Jace Fry on the DL through at least the beginning of May, it could make sense for the White Sox to sign Watson as their #3 lefty in the pen behind Bummer and Crochet. Their top current options for Fry’s spot presently are southpaw Nik Turley and righty Jose Ruiz, so this would actually constitute an upgrade.
If a team this desperate for solid pen arms passes up on a guy like Watson, they must’ve really, really not liked what they saw in spring.
Really surprised he wasn’t going to make their OD roster. He may not be the pitcher he was 5-7 years ago, but you can do a lot worse for an LHP out of the pen.
*Happy Pirates memories arise*
Cue “Up” music
Come on Angels
If @DarkSide sees this I would like your opinion. I thought Watson was doing good, and hes a good lefty to have if hes your 2nd or 3rd one.
havent actually seen him a lot on the televised games (wasnt in many of them) but what I could glean didnt impress me. all the ERs came in one outing, granted. could perhaps be brought back for less.
He’s good but trending in the wrong direction, I think his 2.50 ERA would’ve bloated in a 162 game season. Still, there are worse lefties out there and Watson at the very least can hold his own vs. righty bats.
Interested to see who is leaving the 40-man. I also thought the Phillies would go with Herrera over Joyce since Herrera can play center.
Also the bbref article is the wrong Matt Joyce.
Quinn and Haseley can both play CF. if they need Herrera he’ll be there in AAA.
I suspect they were hoping Odubel either blew everybody away in ST or that he would be far enough away from the allegations and not too radioactive to swap with another team if they ate the cash since they are on the hook for his $$$ anyway.
likely
Kind of surprised he opted out.
Watson is a lefty, so there’ll always be another opportunity waiting.
Angels, on the cheap!
herrera not on the 40 man yet & with joyce, quinn, & heisley on it then he will not be joining them in philly
they need 2 26 man roster spots for joyce & kintzler
–im saying kingery goes to AAA and howard goes down to AAA
later hale gets traded to baltimore / texas/ giants
for a low level prospect
@mlbtr
Joyce will make 1.5M$
Ground ball rate is a big thing in that ballpark.
Watson hoping to catch on somewhere else. I can see plenty of teams taking a flyer on him.
The Dodgers should resign Watson! He pitched exceptionally well with the Boys in Blue! Go World Champions!
They only gave him five innings in the spring. If they truly were interested, they would’ve pitched him more.
I feel like this may have come down to A) Phillies trade Vince Velazquez to open a roster spot, open a spot in the bullpen, and get money off the books to keep Watson or B) Phillies are stuck with VV so no choice but to let Watson go. And that is unfortunate. He’ll likely go on to have a great season with the Blue Jays or something.
I’m not sure I am misreading the thoughts of some here, but I just wanted to remind all (I know most of you do know), that just because you are sent down (Kingery,Howard etc) it doesn’t remove you from the 40 man roster…The Phillies have a bunch of personnel moves they need to make..
I am putting my money on they will lose some players..as soon as some are designated for assignment, they will be scooped up..including OH who will still be paid..I personally want Goofy to stay on the team…I like his game..