Philadelphia Phillies & Chicago Cubs Swing Trade

The Philadelphia Phillies have added to their bullpen depth, by swinging a trade with the Chicago Cubs for right-hander Erich Uelmen.

The reliever was DFA'd by the Cubs this past week to make room for the recent signing of starter Drew Smyly. 

In return, the Phils send "cash considerations" to the Cubbies. 

The 26-year-old Uelmen appeared in 25 games for the Cubs in 2022, posting an ERA of 4.67 with a 1.37 WHIP. Those numbers aren't mind-blowing, but he did especially well against same-sided batters, holding right-handed hitters to just a .210 average and a .665 OPS. 

Obviously they didn’t trade much to get him but this slider from Uelmen is something. pic.twitter.com/oMAJEfnZ3v

— Jack Fritz (@JackFritzWIP) January 4, 2023

He looked especially good in Triple-A this past year, where he posted a 2.79 ERA with the Iowa Cubs, striking out 11.1 batters per nine innings. He'll need to keep the walks under control, however, as he gave free passes to 4.9 batters per nine, a rate that won't cut it in the big leagues. 

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated right-hander Vinny Nittoli for assignment. The Phils will have a week to either trade him or place him on waivers. 

Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports