Phillies News and Speculations 2/19: Team Adds Two Pitchers on Minor-League Contracts
In a move signaling a return of familiar faces, the Phillies recently inked minor-league deals with two pitchers, including a reunion with David Buchanan, who rejoins the organization after an absence of nearly ten years.
Ricardo Pinto, who previously wore the Phillies uniform from 2011 to 2017 and made an appearance with the major-league club during his tenure, finalized a minor-league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. This signing, initially reported by Phillies Spanish-language broadcaster Oscar Budejen, brings Pinto back into the fold following his stint with the team in 2017, where he recorded a 7.89 ERA over approximately 30 innings pitched.
Since his departure, Pinto has journeyed through various baseball leagues and organizations, including stints with the White Sox, Rays, Giants, and Tigers, as well as international play in Korea, Taiwan, Mexico, and Venezuela. Notably, he recently earned MVP honors at the Caribbean Series, demonstrating his prowess by allowing only one run across 10 2/3 innings while tallying 14 strikeouts.
Additionally, the Phillies secured another arm by signing Austin Brice to a minor-league contract. Brice, a right-handed pitcher with seven seasons of MLB experience, has previously played for the Marlins (on two occasions), Reds, Red Sox, and Pirates. His most notable season came in 2019 when he achieved a career-best 3.43 ERA over a career-high 44 2/3 innings pitched.
Despite not making an MLB appearance last season, Brice showcased his skills in Triple-A, primarily with the Diamondbacks and Twins organizations, albeit with mixed results, as evidenced by his 6.92 ERA across 37 appearances. Nevertheless, the Phillies view Brice as a low-risk acquisition, hoping to capitalize on his potential.
Manager Rob Thomson provided insights into Brice’s performance during a recent practice, highlighting his unique pitching style and promising secondary pitches. Thomson noted Brice’s adeptness with changeups, which he displayed during practice, adding an element of intrigue to his potential contributions to the team.
