Phillies sign right-handed reliever Blake Parker
Parker was designated for assignment by the Twins last week.
The Phillies have signed veteran reliever Blake Parker, who was designated for assignment last week by Minnesota after he began the season as the team’s closer.
The right-hander had a 4.21 ERA in 37 appearances this season with the Twins. Parker, 34, had 34 strikeouts and 16 walks in 36⅓ innings. The Phillies added him to the 40-man roster by designating Mitch Walding for assignment and then optioned Edgar Garcia to triple A to clear room on the 25-man roster.
Parker joins Mike Morin as the second right-handed reliever the team has signed in the last 10 days after they were designated for assignment.
Parker throws a low-90s fastball and relies on a splitter and curveball. The Phillies will be his sixth major-league team in seven seasons. He cannot become a free agent until after next season, which means the Phillies could keep him around for 2020 if they like what they see over the next two months.