The Orioles today announced that they have signed LHP ZACH PHILLIPS to a one-year contract. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have designated LHP CHRIS JONES for assignment.
Phillips, 29, pitched for Triple-A Charlotte last season in the Chicago White Sox organization, going 1-1 with a 3.13 ERA (19 ER/54.2 IP), 64 strikeouts, and 12 saves over 46 relief appearances. In 365 career minor league games (98 starts), he has gone 39-45 with a 3.85 ERA (369 ER/863.1 IP), 843 strikeouts, and 33 saves. He last pitched in the Major Leagues in 2013 for the Miami Marlins. Phillips also pitched for the Orioles in 2011 and 2012 after being acquired from Texas in July 2011. In 19 Major League relief appearances, he is 0-1 with a 3.45 ERA (6 ER/15.2 IP). He was originally selected by Texas in the 23rd round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft.
Jones, 27, went 8-8 with a 2.94 ERA (49 ER/150.0 IP) over 30 games (22 starts) with Triple-A Norfolk last season.