PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies claimed left-hander Bobby LaFromboise off waivers from the Angels on Friday.
They designated former first-round pick Jesse Biddle for assignment to make room for LaFromboise on the 40-man roster. That the Phils DFA'd their top pick in 2010 should not come as a complete surprise. Biddle, 24, is recovering from Tommy John surgery, so there seems to be little risk that he will be claimed.
But the Phillies hope they bolstered their bullpen with LaFromboise, who posted a 1.13 ERA in 11 appearances last season with the Pirates. In 27 appearances in parts of three seasons with the Mariners and Pirates, he is 0-1 with a 3.63 ERA. In 22 1/3 innings, LaFromboise has allowed 20 hits, five walks and has struck out 23.
Left-handed hitters have a .573 OPS in 39 plate appearances against LaFromboise.