The Phillies secured one starting pitcher in the 2015 rotation today with a familiar face from the stretch of 2014. Jerome Williams, acquired on waivers from the Texas Rangers after the trade of Roberto Hernandez, will return to the Phillies rotation in 2015. According to a broadcast report during Comcast Sports Net's "Philly Sports Talk", the Phillies have resigned Williams to a one-year, $2.5 million deal.
Williams was a surprise strong point for the Phillies down the stretch. Williams arrived to the Phillies rotation with a 2-5 record and a 6.71 ERA. However, with the Phillies Williams went 4-2 with a 2.83 ERA in nine starts.
With a salary of just $2.5 million, Williams figures to help the Phillies address other needs and serve as a rather insignificant risk. The Phillies' 2015 rotation as of right now includes left-handed pitchers Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, as well as right-handed starter David Buchanan. Right-handed starter A.J. Burnett has until five days after the World Series to decided whether or not he will exercise a $12.75 million one-year contract option from the Phillies. Kyle Kendrick is a free agent and may not return.
