Phillies Claim De Geus, Add Bullpen Depth

The Philadelphia Phillies have claimed right-handed pitcher Brett de Geus off waivers from the Miami Marlins and subsequently optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. This move fills an open 40-man roster spot created by the recent designation for assignment of infielder Buddy Kennedy. De Geus, 27, brings limited major league experience, with a career 7.48 ERA across 61 1/3 innings. While his strikeout and walk rates are below average, his ability to induce ground balls has made him an intriguing acquisition for multiple teams.

Despite his struggles at the major league level, de Geus's high velocity and diverse pitch mix have kept him in demand. His journey through various organizations, including the Mariners, Marlins, Blue Jays, and Pirates, highlights the persistent belief in his potential. His Triple-A numbers, while not stellar, showcase his ground ball inducing ability. With an open roster spot and de Geus's remaining options, the Phillies are taking a low-risk gamble, aiming to bolster their bullpen depth and potentially uncover a valuable asset in their system.