Phillies reportedly claim lefty Josh Fleming from Rays

The first official move of the Phillies offseason is here.

The team has claimed left-handed pitcher Josh Fleming off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

Fleming, 27, was drafted by the Rays in the fifth round of the MLB Draft in 2017. He missed about two months in 2023 with elbow issues. Fleming spent time in the big leagues as a multi-inning reliever/bulk starter, pitching to a 4.70 ERA in 2023. He spent most of the second half in Triple A in a similar role, but was used as a one-inning reliever over his last five appearances. Fleming had a 4.35 ERA across 31 innings for Triple-A Durham in 2023.

Fleming is out of minor league options, so he cannot be sent to the minor leagues if he remains on the Phillies’ 40-man roster through the end of spring training.

The Phillies officially announced the move late Monday afternoon. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Michael Plassmeyer and right-handed pitcher Erich Uelmen were outrighted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

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