Phillies clear 5 roster spots, claim 2 players off waivers

The Phillies announced a handful of roster moves on Wednesday:

• They claimed RHP Luis Ortiz and LHP Andrew Vasquez off waivers from the San Francisco Giants. This was the second time Vasquez was claimed off waivers by the Phillies this year. The Phillies picked him up in early August after he was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays. He was designated for assignment nearly two weeks later to make room for Sam Coonrod, who was activated off the 60-day injured list.
• The Phillies also outrighted right-handed pitchers Hans Crouse and Mark Appel, left-handed pitchers Kent Emanuel and Damon Jones and infielder Yairo Muñoz.

Ortiz, a reliever, posted a 1.04 ERA over 8 2/3 innings with the Giants this season. He spent most of last season with Triple-A Sacramento, where he compiled a 4.54 ERA.

The Phillies now have four open spots on the 40-man roster.

Crouse, Appel, Emanuel and Jones all finished the season on the 60-day injured list. Along with Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy, Crouse was acquired in a trade with the Texas Rangers at the deadline last season. He made his debut with the Phillies during the final home game of 2021, but was limited to just 12 1/3 innings pitched this season in the minors due to injuries.

Appel, the former No. 1 overall pick, pitched to a 1.74 ERA over 10 1/3 innings with the Phillies this season. He was placed on the 60-day injured list on Sept. 12 with right elbow inflammation. Maybe the Phillies could bring Appel to spring training as a non-roster invitee.

Emanuel was claimed off waivers from the Astros last November and did not make an appearance in the big leagues this season.

Jones made five combined appearances with the Phillies from 2021 to 2022. He has a career 3.61 ERA in the minor leagues across just under 300 innings. His season ended in May when he was placed on the injured list with left shoulder impingement.

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