The jokes made over the name of Elvis Araujo in Philadelphia are done. That is, unless the Marlins come to town. The left-handed reliever who spent much of 2015 and 2016 with the Phillies, as been claimed by the Miami Marlins on waivers.
The Phillies have until this afternoon to set their roster for the Rule 5 draft. Ranking their roster priorities, Araujo did not make the cut and the team likely tried to outright Araujo to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The move was unsuccessful as the Marlins, who have seen a lot of Araujo over the last two seasons, will give Araujo a spot on their 40-man roster.
Araujo failed to make the Phillies Opening Day roster in 2016, but soon was promoted when Daniel Stumpf was suspended 80 games for testing positive for a performance enhancing drug. Araujo appeared in 32 games, going 2-1 with a 5.60 earned run average in 2016, after going 2-1 with a 3.38 earned run average in 40 games in 2015.
The moves may not be done, as we will soon know who the Phillies add to the 40-man roster. Several top prospects including Nick Williams and Mark Appel must be added to the roster or risk being taken in the Rule 5 draft. The Phillies may also wish to keep a spot open so that they may take someone, too.
