Phils bringing back Galvis, Gomez, Hernandez

Asche cut loose to make room for left-hander Rollins

November 29th, 2016

PHILADELPHIA -- , and will be back with the Phillies in 2017.
is likely headed elsewhere.
The Phillies had to tender contracts to four players eligible for salary arbitration before Friday's 8 p.m. ET deadline. Galvis, Hernandez and Gomez got offers, but the Phillies designated Asche for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for left-hander , whom they claimed off waivers from the Rangers.
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Asche has become a free agent.
It was widely known that Galvis and Hernandez would be offered contracts. They are expected to be the team's Opening Day shortstop and second baseman, respectively. But Gomez and Asche had been on the bubble.
In the end, the Phillies needed bullpen arms and could afford Gomez's salary increase.
MLB Trade Rumors estimates Gomez could make $4.6 million in arbitration. He made $1.4 million last season. Gomez, 28, went 3-5 with a 4.85 ERA and 37 saves in 2016. He had a 2.52 ERA in 51 appearances through Aug. 13, but he had a 13.20 ERA in his final 19 appearances. He lost his closer's job in the final week of the season, and he could be back in a middle-relief role in 2017.
Asche, 26, hit .213 with four home runs, 18 RBIs and a .635 OPS in 218 plate appearances last season. In the end, the Phillies valued Rollins more than Asche, who would have returned as an extra outfielder. Rollins, who turns 27 on Dec. 21, went 5-0 with a 3.77 ERA in 37 appearances with Triple-A Tacoma and 1-0 with a 7.71 ERA in 11 games with the Mariners.
This is the third time Rollins has been claimed off waivers in the past two weeks. The Cubs claimed him Nov. 18 and the Rangers claimed him Nov. 22. The Phillies need left-handed bullpen help, particularly after the Marlins claimed off waivers last month.
The 27-year-old Galvis hit .241/.274/.399 and posted career highs with 20 home runs, 67 RBIs and 17 stolen bases while making $2 million.
Hernandez, 26, hit .294/.371/.393 with 14 doubles and 11 triples in 155 games as Philadelphia's primary second baseman while earning $525,000.