The Phillies began accumulating potential pitching pieces almost immediately this offseason. That was why the Phillies grabbed pitcher A.J. Achter on waivers from the Minnesota Twins. Both Achter and reliever Dan Otero were waiver pickups in this regard. After acquiring multiple prospects in exchange for Ken Giles and acquiring pitcher Charlie Morton from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade, both lost their roster spots. The Phillies hoped to get them through waivers in order to retain them.
Achter did not make it through waivers, as the Angels report they have claimed him:
Today the #Angels have claimed RHP A.J. Achter off waivers from the Phillies.
— Angels (@Angels) December 17, 2015
Otero is still in DFA limbo.
It was worth the shot for the Phillies to grab any talent they can. But, the best of it will rise to the top, and the Phillies have given themselves many potential options in the bullpen by signing Edward Mujica, Andrew Bailey, and Ernesto Frieri to minor league deals. Hopefully some of them pan out.
