Phillies Add Another Pitcher, Sign Free Agent Blake Parker
Another low cost/no cost type of move for the Phils today, according to Ken Rosenthal:
#Phillies sign free-agent RHP Blake Parker to major-league deal, sources tell me and @MattGelb.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2019
Parker is 34 years old and has thrown 36 innings this year, posting the following numbers:
- 4.21 ERA
- 8.4 SO/9
- 4.0 BB/9
- 5.35 FIP
Zach Eflin was moved to the bullpen in a separate move, replaced by Jason Vargas, whom the Phils added yesterday via trade.
But yeah, Parker fits the Drew Smyly and Vargas concept, i.e. search for fringe guys who might be able to help a bit without giving up much in the process, try to get a little bit better and make a run at the wild card. It’s not necessarily exciting from a fan perspective, but at least the front office is sniffing around to see what they can find. Maybe one of more of these guys ends up being an improvement.
Parker also has a very interesting wind-up, after the jump:
https://twitter.com/parkerhageman/status/1082351212190666752?s=21