Philadelphia Phillies Add Rotation Depth After Claiming Red Sox Pitcher Off Waivers

The Philadelphia Phillies have added some pitching depth in their latest offseason move.

Once again, pitching is the story for the Philadelphia Phillies.

It's been the hot button topic surrounding the franchise since the offseason began with them stating their priority was to get Aaron Nola back with the team. The front office then was reportedly pursuing some of top starters available and was linked to multiple bullpen arms.

Add in the Zack Wheeler contract extension talks and it's been nothing but pitching, pitching, pitching.

Well, the Phillies were able to add another arm to their roster after claiming Max Castillo off waivers from the Boston Red Sox.

The 24-year-old was originally signed by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015 and began his professional career in the Dominican Summer League before working his way up to to Double-A in 2021, and then bouncing between their Triple-A affiliate and Major League roster in 2022.

Castillo was traded by the Blue Jays that year, along with Samad Taylor, to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Whit Merrifield.

In total, the righty appeared in 14 games, starting six of them, and recorded an ERA of 5.95 over 39 1/3 innings of work between both teams.

He continued to bounce back and forth between the Royals and their Triple-A affiliate in 2023, only appearing in seven MLB games.

They designated him for assignment in December 2023 and he was claimed by the Red Sox, who then also DFA'd him after making another roster acquisition.

Philadelphia is now adding rotation depth with their own waiver claim.

Similar to their pick up of Kolby Allard, this gives them a pitcher who has Major League experience as both a starter and reliever, increasing their options in case of injury.

To make room for this move, the Phillies have designated 25-year-old outfielder Simon Muzziotti for assignment. He's been with their organization since 2016, playing his entire year with the Triple-A affiliate in 2023.

He had a good season, slashing .296/.358/.404 with seven home runs, 61 RBI, and 26 stolen bases, but he never was called up the MLB despite making his debut in 2022.