Following a string of inconsistent performances, the Phillies on Wednesday released right-handed pitcher David Buchanan. The club had designated Buchanan for assignment last week, freeing roster space to protect prospects in advance of the Rule 5 Draft.
The organization's seventh-round Draft pick in 2010, Buchanan made his big league debut four years later, posting a 3.75 ERA in 20 starts. But he regressed the following season, going 2-9 with a 6.99 ERA in 15 starts. Buchanan did not crack the big league roster this summer, finishing 10-9 with a 3.98 ERA in 26 starts and one relief appearance at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, with just 95 strikeouts over 167 1/3 innings.
Earlier Wednesday, the Phillies announced that they traded another pitcher, right-hander Jimmy Cordero, to the Nationals for a player to be named.