Veteran right-handers Ivan Nova and Hector Rondon have requested and been granted their release by the Phillies, per a club announcement. They were both in camp on minor league deals and hoping to win roster spots. Both had out clauses in their deals.
The 34-year-old Nova was signed in late January — not long after president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski voiced a desire to add some veteran rotation depth on minor league pacts. However, his hopes of making the Opening Day roster were likely dashed just a few weeks after he inked his deal; the Phillies signed both Matt Moore and Chase Anderson to one-year, Major League contracts in early February. A poor showing in camp didn’t do him any favors, either. Nova yielded 10 runs on 15 hits and an uncharacteristic nine walks in 12 1/3 innings of work, striking out six along the way.
Rondon, 33, has been tagged for six earned runs on eight hits in seven innings, but he has a more encouraging 8-to-2 K/BB ratio in that time. The Phillies have some openings in their bullpen, but it’s widely expected that Brandon Kintzler and Tony Watson are leading the pack of non-roster invitees competing for those remaining jobs. It’s plausible that one or both of Kintzler and Watson make the club. Both have March 24 opt-outs in their deals — the same as Rondon — but the team hasn’t announced a move regarding either pitcher yet. Assuming both Kintlzer and Watson triggered their out clauses, the Phils have until tomorrow afternoon to add them to the roster or grant them their release.
Nice
At this point, Nova and Rondon knew that they were not making the team. Hopefully, they are sign by another club. I really want Watson and Kintzler to make the team.
So do I, Watson has always gotten people out and Kinzler really solidifies the bullpen. I guess we’ll see
I feel like I would be happy with at least Kintzler. DFAing Hale would probably be the best move to add him. Not sure who else they could move to add Watson. It would probably have to be Velasquez for salary reasons.
I’m sure they could put some of the older AAA arms on waivers. Jones, Suarez, and Rosso are all over 25 and may not be on the major league roster.
I guess wouldn’t mind if Suarez was placed on waivers. I’m not entirely sure but I think the Phils have enough space to have VV, Kintzler and Watson. Unless he performs well, I could see them moving VV at some point during the season.
In any event, Suarez exceptionally unlikely to be picked up and will likely be reassigned to camp.
That’s positive thank you
Orioles on line 1
Phillies will have some 40-man decisions. Both Watson and Kintzler are near locks to make the team and the roster is already full at 40. David Hale is likely next in line to be removed. He or Ranger Suarez, in my view.
Suarez isnt even in the top 10 unless the injury is lingering.
Phillies were shopping VV so it seems reasonable to assume Dombrowski didn’t get an offer to his liking