Phillies Sign Free Agent LHP Drew Smyly

Drew Smyly with Texas Rangers in 2019. Photo by Albert Pena/CSM/Shutterstock (10241279d)

The Philadelphia Phillies, who are in desperate need of a boost to their lackluster starting rotation, have decided to roll the dice and take a gamble on a free agent lefty.

Drew Smyly, a former Tampa Bay Rays standout, has agreed to sign a deal with the Phillies after being released by the Texas Rangers earlier this season and clearing waivers.

Smyly was unable to stick in the contending Rangers’ starting rotation after a sluggish start to the season. The AL West club cut ties with him in June after he posted an ugly 8.42 ERA in only 9 starts.

Despite his poor start to the season, which was largely the result of walks and home runs, the lanky lefty still put up strong strikeout numbers reminiscent of his earlier days as a quality starter for the Tigers and Rays. He punched out 52 batters in 51.1 innings, showing that his stuff is still there.

Smyly has a career 32-32 record with a 4.13 ERA. The Phillies hope that the 30-year-old can find some of his earlier career magic and provide a much-needed upgrade to their starting pitching options as the team pushes to qualify for the playoffs.

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