By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Philadelphia Phillies added some veteran depth to their pitching staff on Tuesday, acquiring 32-year-old right-hander Clay Buchholz from the Boston Red Sox. In return, the Phils will send a minor leaguer to Boston.
Source confirms Phillies acquired Clay Buchholz from Red Sox for 2B prospect Josh Tobias.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) December 20, 2016
The Phillies will take on his entire one-year, $13.5 million salary. To make room for Buchholz on the roster, recent waiver pick-up Richie Shaffer has been designated for assignment, according to Leslie Gudel.
Buchholz is a nine-year Major Leaguer, all with the Red Sox, posting a career record of 206-188 to go along with a 3.96 ERA. Last season, in 37 games, 21 of which were starts, Buchholz went 8-10 with a 4.78 ERA. He posted better numbers in 16 games out of the bullpen (2-2, 3.57) than in the rotation (6-8, 5.01), but it is unclear at this point which role he'll assume with the Phillies. He's played one game at Citizens Bank Park during his career, pitching seven three-hit innings. Buccholz finished off the season strong, going 4-1 with a 3.02 ERA in August and September.
If Buchholz is added to the rotation, then a handful of young arms will be competing for the final spots. With Jeremy Hellickson, Jerad Eickhoff and Aaron Nola pretty much locked in barring Spring Training setbacks, that leaves Vince Velasquez, Zach Eflin and Jake Thompson fighting for the final two spots. Last season, the Phillies had five solid starters heading into Opening Day, but injuries to Charlie Morton, Nola and Velasquez put other young arms into the picture.
Josh Tobias heads to the Red Sox in the deal. The 24-year-old infielder spent the 2016 season between Class 'A' Lakewood and Advanced 'A' Clearwater, combining to hit .291 with 31 doubles, nine homers and 69 RBIs. He was not a member of MLB.com's Phillies top 30 prospects last season.
In acquiring Buchholz, the Phillies have set themselves up with now three potential July trade chips in Clay, Hellickson and Joaquin Benoit.
