Phillies add pitching depth ahead of September 1st deadline
Photos Edited by PSR Staff - Nittoli (L): David Dennis/Icon Sportswire - Devenski (R): Rob Schumacher/The Republic
The Phillies signed veteran reliever Chris Devenski to a minor league contract and traded for former Jays’ reliever Vinny Nittoli. Devenski will report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and Nittoli will report to San Francisco to join the Phillies once the roster expands on September first.
Devenski is a 31-year-old right-hander who was released by Arizona over the weekend.
With the rosters expanding, the Phillies will have the ability to expand their active roster from 26 to 28. Also, any players who wish to be on the postseason roster must be added by September first.
As of this year, Chris Devenski is 2-1 with a 7.59 ERA. This is far from competent on a playoff team, but if Bailey Falter continues to struggle, Devenski could be given a chance.
Devenski was an All-Star with the Houston Astros, winning the World Series in 2017. The right-hander had Tommy John Surgery in 2021 and has struggled to find his all-star stuff since. The Diamondbacks let him go last year after pitching only nine games in August. He allowed 14 hits and nine runs in 10.2 innings over the span.
Manager Rob Thomson was asked if Devenski could be in the picture either later this week or at other points in September.
“Possibly,” Thomson said. “We have to get our eyes on him first. He has playoff experience and down-the-stretch experience. He really gets left-handers out with that changeup.”
Nittoli, the Phillies’ other acquisition, played for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Triple-A Buffalo. In 46.1 innings, he has a 3.30 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 59 strikeouts to go with the 14 free passes he has allowed.
This addition should be interesting to watch in the upcoming series. Nittoli is expected to join the Phillies ‘pen, but it is still unclear what role he’ll be placed in.
