Phillies acquire Erich Uelmen, DFA Vinny Nittoli in first trade of 2023

The first Phillies trade of 2023 was a minor one.

The club acquired right-handed pitcher Erich Uelmen from the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations. Vinny Nittoli, who appeared in two games for the Phillies last September, was designated for assignment to make room for Uelman on the 40-man roster.

Uelmen, 26, pitched to a 4.67 ERA in 25 games in the big leagues in 2022. The Las Vegas native was drafted in the fourth round by Chicago in 2017 and made his MLB debut against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 22. He allowed one earned run but closed out a 15-2 victory for the Cubs.

He’ll likely compete for a spot in the bullpen during spring training.

The one-year, $10 million reported agreement with Craig Kimbrel is still not official. Once that move is finalized, the Phillies will have to subtract another player from the 40-man roster in order to make room for the veteran reliever.

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

1. Phillies Nuggets: Opening Day Lineup Projection 1.0
2. Should The Phillies Extend Both Aaron Nola And Rhys Hoskins?
3. Expect Plenty Of Ups And Downs With New Phillies Reliever Craig Kimbrel
4. This 2005 Top 10 Phillies Prospects List Is A Sight To Behold
5. Where Will The Remaining Free Agents From The 2022 Phillies Land?
6. Scott Boras Lays Out Case For Why Phillies Should Sign Rhys Hoskins To Long-Term Deal
7. Phillies Slated To Be Featured On Sunday Night Baseball Early And Often In 2023
8. Phillies Pledge Additional Funds Required For Stadium Upgrades To Keep IronPigs In Lehigh Valley
9. The Top 10 Phillies Home Runs At Citizens Bank Park
10. Random 2022 Phillies Who Will Probably Receive National Championship Rings