The Philadelphia Phillies have signed veteran reliever Juan Cruz to a minor league deal. Cruz will be invited to Spring Training with hopes of grabbing a spot in the Phillies bullpen.
Last season Cruz pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates where he compiled a 2.78 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP over 35 2/3 innings of work. The Pirates released the 34-year-old Cruz in mid-August and he was unable to latch on with another club.
While Cruz dealt with arm inflammation last season the Phillies are in a win-win situation here.
