Left-handed reliever Cesar Jimenez really helped the Phillies on Thursday night. After the latest clunker from starter Jerome Williams, the bullpen was once again responsible for picking up too many innings in a single ballgame once again. Jimenez gave the Phillies two and one-third innings of shutout ball last night, helping keep the Phillies in the game (they lost by two runs). Yet, the Phillies designed Jimenez for assignment after the game. And now he has been claimed.
MLB Trade Rumors summed up the steady play of Jimenez last night:
Jimenez, 30, has been up and down with the Phillies over the past three seasons despite solid bottom line results. Though he does have some control issues, he’s delivered a 2.48 ERA with 5.7 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 in 36 1/3 innings with Philadelphia dating back to 2013. In particular, he’s been tough on lefties in that span, holding them to a .148/.233/.231 line (over a span of 60 plate appearances).
The Milwaukee Brewers jumped in almost immediately and claimed Jimenez, reports Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News:
LHP Cesar Jimenez has been claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers.
— Ryan Lawrence (@ryanlawrence21) August 21, 2015
The move is somewhat curious, considering other options.
Remaining on the roster is left-handed reliever Adam Loewen. Loewen, drafted 13 years ago in the first round, has been scored upon in three of his five outings, including last night's 9-7 loss to the Marlins. What may have kept Loewen is an option left to the minor leagues. Being August 21 with rosters expanding to 40 in just nine days, the Phillies may figure they might hold on to him in case he is helpful next season.
Jimenez is eligible for salary arbitration this offseason. The Phillies may have simply hoped to slip him through waivers. Jimenez pitched to a record of 1-1 with a 2.48 ERA in his three seasons with the Phillies.
