Phillies add veteran relievers Anthony Swarzak, Deolis Guerra, Blake Parker to spring-training mix
The 34-year-old right-hander will join a crowded field of experienced relievers who could revive their careers in the Phillies' bullpen with a strong spring training.
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Throw three more contestants into the Phillies’ bullpen derby.
One week before the first workout for pitchers and catchers, the Phillies signed Anthony Swarzak and Blake Parker to minor-league deals with a non-roster invitations to spring training and claimed Deolis Guerra off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers, the team announced Wednesday.
The right-handers will join a group of relievers who are trying to revive their careers in the Phillies’ bullpen, a land of opportunity this spring. Last month, longtime big leaguers Drew Storen, Bud Norris and Francisco Liriano agreed to minor-league deals with spring-training invites.
Guerra, 30, is the only one of the bunch who has a spot on the 40-man roster. A top prospect with the New York Mets more than a decade ago and part of the Johan Santana trade in 2008, he has made 74 big-league appearances for three teams since 2015, including one last season with the Brewers.
To open a roster spot for Guerra, the Phillies designated reliever J.D. Hammer for assignment. Right-hander Trevor Kelley, who was removed from the 40-man roster last week, cleared waivers and was outrighted to triple-A with an invitation to big-league camp.
The Phillies would be Swarzak’s ninth team in six years, including a brief stint in Korea in 2015. The 34-year-old split last season between the Mariners and Braves, amassing a 4.56 ERA, 52 strikeouts and 27 walks in 53 1/3 innings. His best season came in 2017, when he had a 2.33 ERA in 70 appearances for the White Sox and Brewers.
If Swarzak makes the team, he would get a $1.5 million salary, plus as much as $1.25 million in incentives based on appearances.
Parker, 35, spent the final two months of last season with the Phillies after getting cut loose by the Twins and posted a 5.04 ERA in 23 appearances.
The Phillies are attempting to remake a bullpen that was decimated by injuries last season. Incumbent closer Hector Neris, Seranthony Dominguez (if healthy), and lefties Jose Alvarez and Adam Morgan figure to be locks. But it will be an open competition between 40-man roster options (Victor Arano, Robert Stock, Reggie McClain, among others), non-roster invites, and potentially converted starters.