Philadelphia Phillies DFA Reliever to Clear Roster Spot for All-Star

The Philadelphia Phillies DFA'd a relief pitcher to clear a roster spot for their new star utilityman.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed All-Star utilityman Whit Merrifield on Friday, acquiring the veteran on a one-year, $8 million deal.

On Monday, the team officially introduced him at Spring Training, giving him No. 9 to wear on his jersey. 

Unfortunately, Merrifield's addition meant someone in the organization had to lose their place on the 40-man roster.

The Phillies also announced on Monday that they are designating reliever Kaleb Ort for assignment to clear a spot on for Merrifield.

That's a tough break for Ort, who has now been DFA'd by three different organizations this offseason. He could still clear waivers and be part of the franchise if another team doesn't claim him.

Whit Merrifield will wear No. 9. Phillies are DFAing Kaleb Ort, a recent waiver claim, to clear 40-man spot. First full-squad workout is today. It stopped raining.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) February 19, 2024

The Seattle Mariners claimed him off waivers from the Boston Red Sox in October, only for the Miami Marlins to claim him from the Mariners in December.

On February 13, the Phillies claimed him from the Marlins, but are now DFA'ing him less than one week later.

Such is the life of a fringe reliever in the Majors.

Ort pitched three seasons for the Red Sox from 2021-23 but failed to distinguish himself, going 2-4 with a 6.27 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP in 47 appearances.

Ort is 32, so he doesn't have much upside at this stage of his career. There's still plenty of time for another team to claim him before the season starts, or else he'll be start the year in Philadelphia's minor league system.

For the Phillies, Merrifield is a much better use of a roster spot.

The three-time All-Star can play multiple positions, runs the bases well (201 career steals) and is a solid hitter, making him a good addition to the roster and a far more valuable player than Ort.