Both Phillies president Andy MacPhail and general manager Matt Klentak mentioned that the team would seek to acquire pitching however they could. The Phillies added yet another reliever today in their quest for that depth. James Russell, previously with the Chicago Cubs was added to the Phillies mix today.
The Phillies announced the move on their Twitter handle:
The #Phillies have agreed to terms with LHP James Russell on a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.
— Phillies (@Phillies) November 12, 2015
Russell has spent much of the last six seasons in the Major Leagues.
The Cubs drafted Russell in 2007 and Russell spent most of his Major League time with the Cubs. Russell spent most of 2010, all of 2011, 2012, and 2013 in the Cubs bullpen. In 2014 Russell started the year with the Cubs but was traded along with Emilio Bonifacio to the Atlanta Braves at the July 31 trade deadline.
The Braves released Russell after Spring Training 2015, and the Cubs re-signed Russell. 2015 ended up being Russell's worst season, going 0-1 with a 5.29 earned run average. Russell's struggles led to his release on September 1.
Russell is the son of former Texas Rangers pitcher Jeff Russell.
