Phillies sign veteran righty Joe Ross to one-year deal as swingman….
The Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly signed veteran right-handed pitcher Joe Ross to a one-year deal, adding depth and versatility to their pitching staff ahead of the 2024 season. Ross, who has experience as both a starter and reliever, is expected to serve as a swingman, capable of filling multiple roles depending on the team’s needs.
Ross, 30, has had a career marked by promise and perseverance. After breaking into the majors with the Washington Nationals, he became a reliable arm in their rotation and bullpen. However, injuries have significantly impacted his career, including Tommy John surgery and other setbacks that limited his availability in recent seasons.
The Phillies are banking on Ross’s ability to provide innings and stability, particularly as they look to manage workloads for their younger pitchers and protect against injuries. His versatility makes him an ideal fit for a team with postseason aspirations, offering a capable option in both starting and relief roles.
Ross last pitched in the majors in 2021, posting a 4.17 ERA across 20 starts with the Nationals. While he missed the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to recovery and rehabilitation, reports suggest that he is healthy and ready to contribute at the big-league level once again.
For the Phillies, the signing is a low-risk, high-reward move. If Ross can regain his pre-injury form, he could prove to be a valuable asset for a team aiming to compete in the National League East. His experience and ability to adapt to various situations will likely be a key factor in his success with the team.
Ross joins a Phillies pitching staff led by ace Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, adding depth to a rotation that has dealt with its share of challenges. The team’s bullpen has also been an area of focus, and Ross’s ability to transition between starting and relief roles gives the Phillies added flexibility.
The signing signals the Phillies’ continued efforts to build a roster capable of contending for a World Series title. For Joe Ross, it represents an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to prove that he still has plenty to offer at the major league level.
