The Phillies added a veteran reliever on Thursday, claiming right-hander Juan Nicasio off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Nicasio, 31, has a 2.85 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 60 innings this season, which he's spent as the Pirates' setup man.
This was Nicasio's final season of arbitration eligibility and he made $3.65 million. He is a free agent after the season but the Phils, who have next to nothing in future payroll commitments, could look to re-sign him if he impresses in September.
To make room for Nicasio on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated Brock Stassi for assignment.
Why would the Pirates get rid of a solid reliever for nothing? Probably because he is an impending free agent and they're a notoriously frugal organization looking to save his remaining 2017 money.
Nicasio, who spent the beginning of his career as a starter for the Rockies, is mostly a two-pitch pitcher with a fastball and slider. His fastball averages just under 96 mph, and his high-80s slider has held hitters to a .209 batting average this season.
