Starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo did not throw a single pitch in 2015, as he recovered from "Tommy John" surgery. Yet, Arroyo was traded mid-season. Then traded again. At 39 years old, the former Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, and Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher (plus the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers if you want to consider him part of either 2015 team) is a free agent and looking for a comeback. And, the Phillies are reportedly interested.
Jayson Stark of ESPN reports that the Phillies have called:
At 39, & 17 months after Tommy John Surgery, Bronson Arroyo says he's now 'perfectly fine." Wash, Pit, Balt, SD, Atl, Cin & Phil have called
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 19, 2015
Finding room for Arroyo could be tough for the Phillies.
The Phillies currently have many options for starting pitchers: Charlie Morton, Jeremy Hellickson, Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff, Adam Morgan, Brett Oberholtzer, Vincent Velazquez, David Buchanan and Severino Gonzalez. The Phillies also control Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez and Matt Harrison, who may be a factor, and Jake Thompson could be pressing for a spot soon. But, the Phillies could give some of these young pitchers more seasoning at AAA Lehigh Valley while they develop potential trade pieces. The veteran Arroyo might make for such a trade piece come July.
It is very possible that the Phillies called before making the Ken Giles trade and bringing in several arms. One thing is clear though: the Phillies are committed to building as much depth as possible. If the Phillies can bring Arroyo in on a minor-league deal, the Phillies are risking next to nothing.
