Phillies promote Casey Fien, recipient of Brad Lidge #54

Casey Fien joins the Phillies with several years of major league experience

For the second time in the 2017 season, a number which was once worn by a member of the Phillies 2008 championship team will rest under a new name for the first time.

After reliever Joely Rodriguez was designated for assignment Wednesday evening, the Phillies selected the contract of Casey Fien from Lehigh Valley.

Philadelphia claimed Fien, a 33-year-old right-hander who’s spent parts of eight seasons playing in Major League Baseball, from Seattle on May 9, 2017.

In eight appearances for the IronPigs this season Fien struck out 11 batters while balancing a 2.00 ERA. Opponents hit for a .219 average against the righty since he’s joined the Phillies organization.

The 33-year-old did appear in six innings for the Mariners in 2017, allowing 10 runs and four walks in those limited appearances.

Fien will be the first player since Brad Lidge to wear the number 54 with the Phillies, leaving just six numbers from the 2008 team untouched.

Ricardo Pinto claimed Carlos Ruiz’ number 51 earlier this year, leaving Chase Utley’s #26, Ryan Howard’s #6, Jimmy Rollins #11, Shane Victorino’s #8, Cole Hamels’ #35, and the rarely heralded So Taguchi’s #99.

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Fien joins a bullpen that’s lost 12 games this year, tied for third-most in all of Major League Baseball. His arrival comes with fewer fireworks than his IronPigs teammate Pat Venditte could have brought given his ability to pitch with either arm.

The final game of the series in Atlanta will begin at 7:35 Thursday evening with Ben Lively making his second major league start.