Phillies sign Drew Smyly

July 21st, 2019

The Phillies have signed free agent left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly, the club announced today.

Smyly, 30, appeared in 13 games (nine starts) with the Texas Rangers this season, striking out 52 batters in 51.1 innings pitched and posting an 8.42 ERA. He also made three starts for Milwaukee’s triple-A affiliate in San Antonio after being signed by the Brewers in June.

A veteran of six major league seasons, Smyly is 32-32 with a 4.13 ERA over 169 career appearances (94 starts) for the Detroit Tigers (2012-14), Tampa Bay Rays (2014-16) and Rangers (2019). From 2012-16, his last five seasons in the major leagues prior to this year, Smyly made 85 starts and appeared in 71 games in relief, posting a 3.74 ERA while holding opponents to a .243 batting average and .295 on-base percentage. He has held left-handed hitters to a .212/.257/.373 slash line in his career. The Arkansas native was originally selected by the Tigers in the second round of the June 2010 draft.

To make room for Smyly, right-hander Fernando Salas was designated for assignment. Smyly will wear number 18.