Surprise signing of former Phillies pitcher just one in a flurry of last-minute moves
The Phillies announced a handful of moves on Tuesday, bringing back former Phillie David Buchanan, signing another depth arm, and sending a pair of recently DFA'd players to Triple-A.
The Philadelphia Phillies made a number of roster moves on Tuesday, on the eve of the official start of spring training. Continuing a recent trend, the Phillies have added two more bullpen arms as they continue to add depth to the organization.
The most notable of these names is David Buchanan, a former seventh-round selection of the Phillies in the 2010 draft. In 35 games for the Phillies (35 starts) in 2014 and 2015, Buchanan had a record of 8-17 with a 5.01 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 192 1/3 innings pitched.
RHP David Buchanan signed a minor league contract and will attend major league spring training as a non-roster invitee.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 13, 2024
Buchanan has spent the last four seasons pitching for the Samsung Lions in the KBO, and his results overseas were solid enough that the Phillies offered the 34-year-old a minor league contract. In 113 starts for the Lions, Buchanan had a record of 54-28 and an ERA of 3.02 while striking out 539 batters in 699 2/3 innings.
The Phillies also claimed a pitcher off waivers from the Miami Marlins
In the second move of the day, the Phillies claimed right-hander Kaleb Ort off waivers from the Miami Marlins, designating recently acquired utility man Diego Castillio to make room on the 40-man roster. The addition of Ort is the latest in a string of moves the Phillies have made in a last minute bid to increase organizational pitching depth.
The Phillies made the following roster moves today:
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 13, 2024
RHP Kaleb Ort was claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins. To make room for Ort on the 40-man roster, INF Diego Castillo was designated for assignment.
Ort has spent parts of three seasons pitching for the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old has a career record of 2-4 with a 6.27 ERA, and one save with 24 strikeouts in 51 2/3 major league innings. Ort has a powerful arm with a fastball that averages 96 mph and has dominated in the minor leagues but has failed to get results at the big league level. The Phillies will try to see if they have a diamond in the rough with this signing.
Two recently DFA'd players are back with the Phillies
The Phillies also got back two familiar names on Tuesday, as Andrew Bellatti and Simón Muzziotti have rejoined the organization and have been out-righted off of the 40-man roster after they each cleared waivers.
Bellatti was designated for assignment on Feb. 6 following the acquisition of Michael Rucker in a trade with the Chicago Cubs. The 32-year-old Bellatti has made 86 appearances for the Phillies since 2022 and has gone 5-4 with a 3.87 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 79 innings.
RHP Andrew Bellatti (DFA on 2/6) and OF Simón Muzziotti (DFA on 2/7) were both outrighted to Lehigh Valley (AAA) and will attend major league spring training as non-roster invitees.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 13, 2024
Simón Muzziotti also returns to the organization after being designated for assignment on Feb. 7 following the Phillies' claim of pitcher Max Castillo from the Boston Red Sox. A former top prospect, Muzziotti has had tough luck with health the last few seasons and could force his way back onto the 40-man roster if Brandon Marsh has any setbacks from knee surgery and Johan Rojas struggles with the bat.
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