Phillies: 24 Departed Players from 2019 Major League Roster

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February is here, which means the new-look 2020 Phillies, without at least two dozen players from last year’s roster, will soon report to spring training.

At least two dozen members of the 2019 Philadelphia Phillies roster will not report to Clearwater, Florida, for spring training this month as part of the team.

Of those players, one has signed with a team overseas in Korea, three have reunited with manager Gabe Kapler with the San Francisco Giants, and nine currently remain free agents with just days until pitchers and catchers.

Clearly, new manager Joe Girardi and general manager Matt Klentak have overhauled the 2020 Phillies roster to include even more All-Star-caliber players, such as Didi Gregorius and Zack Wheeler, to complement Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Aaron Nola, among others.

Under Girardi, the new-look Phillies will be led by new coaches Joe Dillon as hitting coach, Bryan Price as pitching coach, Bob Meacham as assistant coach, Juan Castro as infield coach, and Greg Brodzinski as bullpen catcher/catching coach, among the other coaches who are returning for another season, including bench coach Rob Thomson.

Click through to see these 24 players, 16 of whom are non-roster invitees and 14 are pitchers, from last year’s roster that are currently not signed on for the 2020 season with the Phillies.

OF Aaron Altherr (Korean Baseball Organization)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 24: Aaron Altherr #23 of the Philadelphia Phillies before a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on April 24, 2019 in New York City. The Phillies defeated the Mets 6-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Phillies (2014-19)
San Francisco Giants (2019)
New York Mets (2019)
NC Dinos (KBO, 2020 – Present)

Drafted in the ninth round of the 2009 amateur draft out of Aqua Fria High School (Avondale, Arizona), Aaron Altherr began his career at a historic pace.

As a rookie in 2015, the first seven hits the German outfielder collected in his career each went for extra bases: four doubles, one triple, and two home runs. He became the first ever Phillie to do so, and the first in the majors since the Oakland Athletics’ Carlos Gonzalez in 2008.

That, in a nutshell, was the pinnacle point of Altherr’s major-league career, other than launching the first-ever grand slam off of future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. Also, who could forget his inside-the-park grand slam opposite the Washington Nationals in late September (albeit it being on a Michael Taylor misplay in center field).

From 2016 to 2019, across 318 games and 990 plate appearances, Altherr slashed just .216/.304/.389 with 43 doubles, six triples, 32 home runs, 128 RBI, 94 walks and 289 strikeouts. After leaving the Phillies and joining the San Francisco Giants last season, Altherr received only one big-league plate appearance in which he struck out. Then, he joined the New York Mets, where he collected just four this (one double, one home run and two singles) spanning 26 games and 35 plate appearances.

Now, the 29-year-old will head to Korea, where fellow former failed high-ranking prospects have gone, such as Darin Ruf and Tommy Joseph, among others. In late November, the NC Dinos announced they signed Altherr for a $200,000 signing bonus and $800,000 salary.

RHP Drew Anderson (White Sox, Non-Roster Invitee)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 28: Drew Anderson #63 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Atlanta Braves during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Phillies (2017-19)
Chicago White Sox (2020 – Present)

Drew Anderson, 25, was once considered the team’s top pitching prospect by some of the organization’s scouts. Yet, his first two appearances in the major leagues in 2017 was anything but a top-prospect-level performance, as he allowed seven runs (six earned) on six hits, one walk, and two strikeouts spanning 2 1/3 innings, en route to a 23.14 ERA and 3.000 WHIP.

Anderson would make just seven more appearances over the next two seasons, slightly improving his career ERA and WHIP totals to 7.71 and 1.810, respectively, through nine appearances (including one start) and 21 innings.

The Phillies parted ways with the Reno, Nevada, native on September 4, 2019, when he cleared release waivers and entered free agency. Earlier in the year, he was ruled out indefinitely with a right flexor strain, not helping his cause to a comeback in red pinstripes. Anderson had Tommy John surgery in 2015.

In January, the Chicago White Sox signed Anderson to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. Expect him to play most of the 2020 season at Triple-A Charlotte, barring a strong spring showing.

C Rob Brantly (Giants, Non-Roster Invitee)

Dunedin, FL – MAR 03: Rob Brantly (44) of the Phillies warms up before the spring training game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays on March 06, 2019, at the Dunedin Stadium in Dunedin, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Miami Marlins (2012-13)
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Five-year veteran catcher Rob Brantly made just one plate appearance with the Phillies in 2019, a strikeout. Prior, he last appeared in the majors in 2015 and 2017, both with the White Sox, in which he combined to slash .203/.278/.375 with 13 hits spanning 27 games and 72 plate appearances.

In 2013 with the Miami Marlins, Brantly recorded the most passed balls (9), all the while committing five errors spanning 556 innings and 487 chances behind the plate.

Brantly had much success with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, however, producing a .314 batting average, 13 doubles, six home runs and 28 RBI spanning 82 games and 272 plate appearances.

Perhaps San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler wanted to reunite with Brantly with the hopes he could translate those numbers to the big-league level. The Giants invited Brantly, along with LHP Jerry Blevens and RHP Tyson Ross, to big-league camp as minor-league signees on January 21.

OF Dylan Cozens (Rays, Minors)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 28: Dylan Cozens #25 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Atlanta Braves during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 28, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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Dylan Cozens, once considered to be on the same level as first baseman Rhys Hoskins, jointly labeled “Bash Brothers” while members of the Double-A Reading Fightin’ Phils, it turns out only one would succeed in the majors in red pinstripes.

Cozens simply could not translate his success in the minors to the majors, collecting only six hits through 27 games and 45 plate appearances. Two of those hits were doubles, and another a home run.

The Scottsdale, Arizona, native collected only one plate appearance in 2019, before undergoing season-ending surgery in May to remove a bone spur and repair cartilage in his left big toe.

The Phillies ultimately released Cozens on August 2, 2019, and less than a week later, he signed a two-year minor-league pact with the Tampa Bay Rays. Combined in the minors in 2019, he powered eight home runs and 18 RBI across 29 games and 120 plate appearances.

Cozens is currently listed on the Triple-A Durham Bulls roster, with no invitation to big-league camp. He will be most remembered for his 2016 Double-A campaign, in which he slugged 40 home runs and 125 RBI in just 134 games.

OF Corey Dickerson (Marlins)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 04: Corey Dickerson #31 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Chicago White Sox during a game at Citizens Bank Park on August 4, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The White Sox defeated the Phillies 10-5. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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A couple of factors just did not make a reunion between Corey Dickerson and the Phillies possible for the 2020 season: being close to the luxury tax threshold, and the team’s outfield depth that includes Andrew McCutchen, Jay Bruce, Nick Williams, Adam Haseley, Roman Quinn, and of course, Bryce Harper.

Last month, the Miami Marlins announced they signed Dickerson to a two-year deal worth $17.5 million. The agreement was first reported by MLB Network’s Jon Heyman in December.

Dickerson, 30, slashed .293/.307/.579 in 34 games last season in red pinstripes, along with 10 doubles, two triples, eight home runs, 34 RBI, three walks and 33 strikeouts. The Phillies acquired the seven-year veteran from the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 31 in exchange for international bonus slot money and player to be named later. He played just 78 games total between the two clubs in 2019 due to injuries.

Dickerson returns to Florida, where he played for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016 and 2017, the latter year being his only career All-Star nod in which he produced 27 home runs and 62 RBI spanning 150 games. The McComb, Missouri, native has also played for the Colorado Rockies (2013-15); in 2018 with the Pirates, he earned his first and only career Gold Glove Award.

Through seven seasons and 776 career games, Dickerson has slashed .286/.328/.504 with 190 doubles, 29 triples, 115 home runs, 370 RBI, 168 walks, and 620 strikeouts.

RHP Jerad Eickhoff (Padres, Non-Roster Invitee)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 03: Starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff #48 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on May 3, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

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Right-hander Jerad Eickhoff was one of the few remaining returns from the Texas Rangers in the July 2015 trade that dealt southpaws Cole Hamels and Jake Diekman to the American League West.

Eickhoff simply battled too many injuries that hindered his ability to succeed in red pinstripes, given he made just three appearances in 2018 and 12 in 2019, after combining for 57 starts the two seasons prior (2016 and 2017). Among those injuries included right biceps tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

In 2016 among National League pitchers, Eickhoff allowed the seventh-most hits (187) and the fourth-worst bases on balls per nine innings pitched percentage (1.916), all the while throwing the eighth-most innings pitched (197 1/3). Also, he allowed the third-most home runs (30), and suffered the third-most losses (14).

On January 15, the San Diego Padres inked Eickhoff to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. Expect him to start the season at Triple-A.

INF Maikel Franco (Royals)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 14: Maikel Franco #7 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Boston Red Sox during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 14, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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Six seasons, 656 games, 102 doubles, and 343 RBI later, Maikel Franco will not be a part of the Phillies roster for the first time since the 2013 season.

The Phillies relied heavily on Franco in recent years, particularly the 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons. Yet, his home run and RBI total declined in each of the campaigns, 25-24-22 and 88-76-68, respectively.

This past season, the Phillies opted to use Scott Kingery more at the hot corner, and Franco saw his fewest games played and plate appearances since 2015 as a result. Franco did start the season hot and was infamously donned “the best eighth hitter in baseball.” Through his first 16 games, he slugged six home runs and 17 RBI, good for a .259/.385/.630 slash line. He would have just 11 more home runs the rest of the season.

On December 27, the Phillies signed Franco to a one-year, $2.95 million contract. He will be the Royals’ everyday third baseman, as the team has moved Hunter Dozier to right field and Whit Merrifield to center.

In Kanas City, Franco reunites with former Phillies scouting director Mike Arbuckle, who is now the Royals’ Senior Advisor to the General Manager/Scouting & Player Development.

INF Cesar Hernandez (Indians)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 09: Cesar Hernandez #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on September 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Phillies (2013-19)
Cleveland Indians (2020 – Present)

Just as weird as it will be not seeing Maikel Franco on the Phillies’ roster in 2020, it will be equally the same for Cesar Hernandez, who was the team’s longest-tenured player.

Across seven seasons and 832 games with the Phillies from 2013 to 2019, Hernandez slashed .277/.352/.381 with 113 doubles, 46 home runs, 253 RBI, 80 stolen bases, 325 walks and 620 strikeouts. In 2016, Hernandez led the National League in triples (11), defensive games as a second baseman (149), and double plays turned as a second baseman (102). His 95 walks in 2018 were the fifth-most in the National League, however he committed the most errors among second baseman in the field (12) that year.

The Phillies are moving on from Hernandez and Franco, replacing them with Didi Gregorius at short, Jean Segura at second and likely Alec Bohm and/or Scott Kingery at the hot corner.

In December, the Indians inked Hernandez to a one-year, $6.25 million contract, resulting in Eric Haase being designated for assignment as the corresponding move.

In Cleveland, Hernandez will share the infield with Jose Ramirez at third, Francisco Lindor at short, and his former teammate with the Phillies, Carlos Santana, at first.

RHP Jared Hughes (Free Agent)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 17: Jared Hughes #25 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch during a game against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park on August 17, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Padres won 5-3. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

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Philadelphia Phillies (2019)

Update, 2/17: The Houston Astros signed RHP Jared Hughes to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

When the Phillies selected Jared Hughes off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds in mid-August, the right-hander had parts of nine seasons and nearly 500 games of experience under his belt.

And, on paper, Hughes arguably had better success with the Phillies in 2019 rather than the Reds, considering his 3.91 ERA and 1.043 WHIP in red pinstripes as opposed to 4.10 ERA and 1.241 WHIP.

The Connecticut native’s best season came in 2018, in which he recorded a 1.94 ERA, 1.017 WHIP, and 59-23 strikeout-to-walk ratio spanning 72 appearances and 78 2/3 innings.

In November, the Phillies declined Hughes’ $3 million option for 2020, instead opting to pay him a $250,000 buyout.

Earlier in 2019, Hughes served a three-game suspension as a member of the Reds for intentionally throwing at the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Starling Marte in late July, resulting in a benches-clearing brawl between the teams.

RHP Tommy Hunter (Free Agent)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Tommy Hunter #96 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 15, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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Update, 2/13: The Phillies re-signed RHP Tommy Hunter to a one-year major league contract worth $850,000.

Part of the demise of the 2019 Phillies was their injuries, particularly, to their bullpen. Right-hander Tommy Hunter played a big part in that, as the club relied on him, albeit he appeared in just five games.

I don't think I truly realized how decimated the Phillies Opening Day bullpen had become until I laid it out like this.

This doesn't include Tommy Hunter, Víctor Arano, etc. pic.twitter.com/VXy2tKcEWQ
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) September 9, 2019

In July, Hunter underwent season-ending surgery to repair his flexor tendon. Soon after, the Phillies transferred him to the 60-day injured list to open a 40-man roster spot for Jose Pirela, who is also on this list.

Hunter, now 33, succeeded in red pinstripes 2018, posting a 3.80 ERA and 1.250 WHIP spanning 65 appearances. The 12-year veteran has most of his major-league experience coming with the Baltimore Orioles (224 games), with the Phillies being the team he appeared in with the second-most.

Hunter surely will get a least a minor-league look at some point in 2020. Surprisingly, he has yet to ink a deal.

UTIL Brad Miller (Free Agent)

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 25: Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Brad Miller (33) comes up to bat during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals on September 25, 2019, at Nationals Park, in Washington D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Tampa Bay Rays (2016-18)
Milwaukee Brewers (2018)
Cleveland Indians (2019)
Philadelphia Phillies (2019)

Update, 2/12: The St. Louis Cardinals signed utility player Brad Miller to a one-year, major league contract.

Utility player Brad Miller‘s stint in Philadelphia was short-lived, yet he surely made the most of the plate appearances he received.

In 66 games, Miller slugged 12 home runs and 21 RBI; not to mention, over his last nine games of the season, he hit seven home runs and 10 RBI.

Miller finished the season slugging .610 in red pinstripes across 130 plate appearances. The only other Phillies to match that with at least as many plate appearances include Mike Schmidt, Ryan Howard, and Rhys Hoskins. Also, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Matt Breen, Miller became the first player in Phillies history with three multi-homer games in a span of nine games.

Through seven seasons and 759 games, Miller has slashed .241/.314/.419 with 109 doubles, 88 home runs, 293 RBI, 252 walks and 634 strikeouts. His best season came with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016, in which he slugged 30 home runs and 81 RBI across 152 games.

Miller played a significant role in helping the Phillies finish at least at the .500 mark. It is surprising he at least did not receive a minor-league invite from the team, although perhaps he is looking for a big-league deal elsewhere.

RHP Mike Morin (Brewers, Non-Roster Invitee)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: Mike Morin #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 29, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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Seattle Mariners (2018)
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The 28-year-old RHP Mike Morin has had a back-and-forth career in terms of statistics. In three games with the Seattle Mariners in 2018, he posted a 6.75 ERA; then, in 23 games with the Minnesota Twins in 2019, he posted a 3.18 ERA, before logging a 5.79 ERA in 29 outings with the Phillies that same season.

Still, with the Phillies, Morin found success in that he struck out 15 batters and walked just eight, albeit allowing 18 runs and three home runs across 28 innings.

On January 22, the Milwaukee Brewers signed Morin to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, following him electing free agency from the Phillies in early November.

The Phillies had acquired Morin from the Twins in late July 2019 in exchange for cash considerations. Perhaps what the Brewers like in Morin is that he has postseason experience, having appeared in one game with the Los Angeles Angels in the 2014 ALDS opposite the Kansas City Royals.

1B/OF Logan Morrison (Brewers, Non-Roster Invitee)

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 23: Logan Morrison #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 23, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Florida/Miami Marlins (2010-13)
Seattle Mariners (2014-15)
Tampa Bay Rays (2016-17)
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Ten-year veteran Logan Morrison is still finding his way onto rosters, despite having hit no better than .246 over each of the last five seasons.

The Phillies signed Morrison to a minor-league contract on July, 13, 2019, after he had been released from the New York Yankees. Almost exactly one month later, the Phillies called him up; Morrison even filled in for Rhys Hoskins at first base, who injured his right hand by a pitch.

Morrison collected just seven hits through 29 games and 38 plate appearances with the Phillies, although he did homer twice and produce three RBI and three walks.

In early January, the Brewers signed Morrison to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. His best season came with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017, in which he slugged 38 home runs and 85 RBI across 149 games and 601 plate appearances.

RHP Pat Neshek (Free Agent)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 03: Pat Neshek #93 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch in the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on May 3, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

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Colorado Rockies (2017)

Similar to Tommy Hunter, the Phillies relied heavily on Pat Neshek being a part of the 2019 bullpen, however, injuries ultimately limited him to just 20 appearances, including just 30 appearances the season prior.

Neshek had much success his first go-around with the Phillies, a 1.12 ERA; since has been anything but, including posting a 5.00 ERA in 18 innings this past season.

The 39-year-old underwent surgery on his left hamstring in early September, forgoing another round of platelet-rich plasma treatment. On October 31, the Phillies declined Neshek’s $7 million club option for 2020.

The two-time All-Star, submarine throwing right-hander was the eighth-oldest active player in the 2018 season, and the fourth-oldest in 2019.

RHP Juan Nicasio (Rangers, Non-Roster Invitee)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 16: Juan Nicasio #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a baseball game at Citizens Bank Park on July 16, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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Similar to the aforementioned relievers that have since left the Phillies’ 40-man roster, RHP Juan Nicasio experienced injury woes in 2019. For a good portion of the last month of the season, the right-hander was placed on the injured list with right rotator cuff tendinitis.

The Dominican Republic native ended up throwing in 47 appearances in his second stint for the Phillies, posting a combined 2-3 record, 4.75 ERA, 1.648 WHIP and 45-21 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 47 1/3 innings. Nicasio was also on the 2017 roster, but he was dealt in September to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Eliezer Alvarez.

Just over one year later, Nicasio was dealt back to the Phillies, along with infielder Jean Segura and left-hander James Pazos, exchange for Carlos Santana and J.P. Crawford.

On January 18, the Texas Rangers inked Nicasio, 33, to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

It is not yet clear whether the Rangers will use Nicasio as a starter or reliever; prior to his first stint with the Phillies, when in 2017 he recorded the most games played among National League pitchers (76), he had logged 82 career starts.

RHP Blake Parker (Free Agent)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 31: Blake Parker #53 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 31, 2019 in Philadelphia, PA. The Mets defeated the Phillies 6-3. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

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Update, 2/5: The Phillies re-signed Parker to a minor-league deal.

The Phillies made some moves. They claimed righty Deolis Guerra on waivers and DFAed J.D. Hammer. They brought back Blake Parker on a minor-league deal, too.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) February 5, 2020

Right-hander Blake Parker has been a journeyman in his big-league career; he started out with the Chicago Cubs, and played with four different American League teams before joining the Phillies in July 2019 as a free-agent.

Despite the 2-1 record and 1.000 WHIP Parker recorded as a Phillie through 23 appearances (including two games in which he was used as an opener), he notched an unfavorable 5.04 ERA.

Parker was among the five players the Phillies outrighted following the end of the 2019 season, joining RHP Jerad Eickhoff, INF Phil Gosselin, RHP Mike Morin, and RHP Edubray Ramos. Gosselin has since re-signed with the Phillies on a minor-league deal.

Through parts of seven career seasons, Parker has gone 11-10 with a 3.56 ERA, 1.176 WHIP and 321-90 strikeout-to-walk ratio. In 2017, he appeared in the sixth-most games among American League relievers. On year later in the league, he posted the eight-most games finished (41).

INF/OF Jose Pirela (Nippon Professional Baseball/Japan)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 29: Jose Pirela #67 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 29, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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Infielder/outfielder Jose Pirela is just one of those players 10 years from now you forget was even on the roster. The former New York Yankees prospect appeared in 12 games for the Phillies last season, collecting just four hits (one double, one home run, 2 RBI) while striking out four times for a .235/.316/.471 slash.

In the field, the Phillies used Pirela in both left and right; he committed no errors through 27 2/3 combined innings and four chances.

In 2017 with the San Diego Padres, Pirela committed the fifth-most errors among National League left fielders (3); his two double plays turned ranked the most among left-fielders in the league that year, however.

On November 1, the Phillies released the now-30-year-old so he could pursue in opportunity with a team in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league.

RHP Edubray Ramos (Dodgers, Non-Roster Invitee)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 09: Edubray Ramos #61 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks to the dugout against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on April 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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Right-handed reliever Edubray Ramos was coming off of a success 2018 season for the team, in which he posted a 2.32 ERA through 52 relief appearances. In 2019, however, he saw the mound just 20 times, given the common denominator of Phillies relievers being injured.

Ramos was activated from the 60-day injured list in mid-September, after being sidelined since mid-July with a right shoulder injury. Overall, he went 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.733 WHIP through 15 innings.

On January 7, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed the four-year veteran to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Ramos has a career 3.71 ERA and 168-61 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 155 1/3 innings in the majors. Expect him to open the season for the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate, but surely he could be called upon during the season as needed.

RHP Yacksel Rios (Pirates)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 02: Yacksel Rios #53 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts to his throwing error on a bunt single from Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing two runs to score, to trail 6-0 during the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium on June 02, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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Prior to being selected off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates in early August 2019, RHP Yacksel Rios had played his entire career in red pinstripes. The right-hander had been designated for assignment in late July to make room for one of the players on this list, southpaw starter Jason Vargas.

The Pirates recalled Rios from Triple-A Indianapolis in early September, and he finished the season going 1-0 with a 5.23 ERA, 1.452 WHIP, and 10-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 10 1/3 innings. This was as significant improvement over his 2019 outings with the Phillies, when in just 2 2/3 innings, he had allowed seven runs (four earned).

Rios finished out 10 games for the Phillies in 2018, and, as a rookie in 2017, he struck out 17 batters in just 16 1/3 innings.

INF Sean Rodriguez (Free Agent)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 26: Philadelphia Phillies Infield Sean Rodriguez (13) celebrates as he rounds the bases on a game-winning home run in the eleventh inning during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies on August 26, 2019 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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UPDATE, 2/4: The Miami Marlins signed INF Sean Rodriguez to a minor-league deal.

Infielder Sean Rodriguez‘s first and only season in red pinstripes was not defined by his actions on the field, but rather his words off the field.

In late August, Rodriguez was criticized for calling Philadelphia fans “entitled” for booing players, including himself, after he hit a walk-off home run:

“Who is looking bad and feeling entitled when you hear stuff like that? I’m not the one booing. I’m not the one screaming. I’m not the one saying pretty disgusting things at times. That seems pretty entitled.

Rodriguez, 34, has played in 12 seasons, logging 1,099 games and an even 2,900 plate appearances. His best season came in 2016 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, when in 140 games he slashed .270/.349/.510 with 16 doubles, 18 home runs and 56 RBI.

As a Phillie in 2019, Rodriguez slashed just .223/.348/.375 with five doubles, four home runs and 12 RBI in 76 games and 139 plate appearances. He played just about every position: third base, shortstop, left, right and center field, second base, first base, pitcher and designated hitter.

RHP Fernando Salas (Free Agent)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 18: Fernando Salas #31 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on July 18, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 7-6. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

St. Louis Cardinals (2010-13)
Los Angeles Angels (2014-16, 2017)
New York Mets (2016-17)
Arizona Diamondbacks (2018)
Philadelphia Phillies (2019)

Ten-year veteran Fernando Salas came to Philadelphia on a minor-league deal in early June 2019. A little more than two weeks later, the Phillies purchased his contract, and he would appear in three games before being designated for assignment and sent outright off the 40-man roster.

The pinnacle point of Salas’ major-league career came in just his second season, 2011, in which he would help the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series championship. In fact, Salas appeared in three games against the Phillies in the 2011 NLDS, allowing only one run and two hits through 3 2/3 innings.

In 2019-20 Mexican Pacific Winter League Action, Salas has a perfect 0.00 ERA through 22 innings, striking out 23 batters while walking just four.

Among active pitchers, Salas ranks 35th in games played (496).

LHP Drew Smyly (Giants)

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 25: Drew Smyly #18 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 25, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Detroit Tigers (2012-14)
Tampa Bay Rays (2014-16)
Texas Rangers (2019)
Philadelphia Phillies (2019)
San Francisco Giants (2020 – Present)

The Phillies opted to pursue cheap starting pitchers instead of bolstering the rotation through trade come late July. Six-year veteran Drew Smyly fit the bill, and he made positive contributions.

Through 12 starts, the southpaw went 3-2 with a 4.45 ERA, 1.324 WHIP and 68-21 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 62 2/3 innings. Having Smyly’s veteran presence not only helped some of the young pitchers, but it was also refreshing to see a left-hander start for the Phillies with just Ranger Suarez being the only recent such southpaw.

On January 16, the San Francisco Giants signed Smyly to a one-year, $4 million contract. He will either likely start or earn a spot in the Giants’ bullpen as a long reliever.

Smyly has a career 35-34 record and 4.16 ERA. His best season came in 2014 with the Tampa Bay Rays, when he went 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA and 0.755 WHIP in seven starts after being dealt there from the Detroit Tigers.

LHP Jason Vargas (Free Agent)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 13: Jason Vargas #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Florida Marlins (2005-06)
New York Mets (2007, 2018-19)
Seattle Mariners (2009-12)
Los Angeles Angels (2013)
Kansas City Royals (2014-17)
Philadelphia Phillies (2019)

Southpaw starter Jason Vargas was just two seasons removed from his All-Star season with the Kansas City Royals, so, like Drew Smyly, the Phillies took a flier on him to try to help their starting rotation woes.

Vargas was serviceable as a Met in 2019, going 6-5 with a 4.04 ERA, but he was not as lucky in red pinstripes, going 1-4 with a 5.37 ERA.

In order to acquire Vargas, the Phillies dealt catching prospect Austin Bossart to the Mets.The 25-year-old slashed just .200/.300/.300 in 19 games and 70 plate appearances to finish the Double-A season in Binghamton.

Through 14 career seasons, Vargas has an even 99-99 record, 4.29 ERA, and 1.322 WHIP.

RHP Nick Vincent (Giants, Non-Roster Invitee)

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 24: Nick Vincent #29 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during game one of a doubleheader baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

San Diego Padres (2012-15)
Seattle Mariners (2016-18)
San Francisco Giants (2019, 2020 – Present)
Philadelphia Phillies (2019)

Right-hander Nick Vincent was among the arms GM Matt Klentak acquired to try to keep the pitching staff afloat when it was in dire need.

Vincent signed as a free agent with the Phillies in early August, and he would excel with a 1.93 ERA and 1.071 WHIP through 14 appearances, allowing only three earned runs in 14 innings.

On Friday, the San Francisco Giants signed Vincent to a minor-league deal with a spring invite. He began last season as a Giant, however his struggles resulted in him being released.

MLBTradeRumors’ Jeff Todd writes:

Now an eight-year MLB veteran, the 33-year-old has compiled quite an impressive track record. Through 376 2/3 career innings, the soft-tossing Vincent carries a 3.32 ERA. While teams haven’t been willing to stake much on a continuation of that performance level, he’s certainly a nice player to have on hand for this level of commitment.

Now, Vincent not only reunites with the Giants, but also his manager with the Phillies in Gabe Kapler.

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