MLB Free Agency Rumors 2016: Zach Phillips Inks One-Year Deal with Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles had to do something as Opening Day nears and Brian Matusz still uncertain to play, forcing them to look for a left-handed reliever in Zach Phillips. The free agent last played in the major league for the team back in 2011-2012, where he managed to pitch with a 3.21 ERA in 14 total innings. After that stint, he was supposedly invited in the Chicago White Sox's big league camp but didn't accept it, choosing to become a free agent instead.
According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles decided to place another left-hander in Chris Jones for assignment so they could give the spot to the recent acquisition.
Matusz already came to spring training with an injured lower back, and although the team still had in its disposal a couple of other lefties in T.J. McFarland and Zach Britton, both weren't given the relief responsibility in a situational capacity.
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Therefore, the signing of Phillips is some kind of assurance for the Orioles that they won't get stuck if ever Matusz's recovery does not happen soon. The team didn't have to look somewhere else because Phillips came in as a very worthy call-up in the late season five years ago. He was again superb in spring training in 2012 after an invitation by the Orioles, where he only allowed four hits and two runs in a little over 13 innings.
He got the chance to pitch for Triple-A (White Sox) last year, where he posted a record of 1-1 and 3.29 ERA. The White Sox placed him in the 40-man roster during the offseason so as to be able to rid himself away from Rule 5 Draft eligibility. That was his biggest shot of getting that spot for spring training, but he didn't get it.
With Matusz out, Phillips is expected to be part of the opening day roster for the team.
