The Phillies claimed RHP Yoan Lopez off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. To make room on the 40 man roster Outfielder Roman Quinn was designated for assignment.
Lopez is 28 years old and is from Nueva Gerona, Cuba. He defected from Cuba in 2014 and signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He made 70 appearances for the 2019 Diamondbacks and pitched very well posting a 3.41 ERA in 60 2/3 IP. He was traded to the Braves on May 20th, 2021.
Lopez appeared in 13 games with the Braves in 2021 after pitching in 100 games with Arizona from 2018 to 2020, all in relief. He relies on 2 pitches - 4-Seam Fastball (51.6%) Slider (48.4%). On average he throws the FB in the 94-95 MPH range but it tops out at 98 MPH. He gets a lot of spin and movement on his slider ( really dives downward ) - on average he throws it 85-86 MPH and topping out at 89-90 MPH.
The Phillies have also signed RHP Michael Kelly to a minor league contract. He pitched last season at both the AA and AAA level in the Astros organization.
Kelly was drafted in the supplemental 1st round (48th overall) by the San Diego Padres in 2011. He’s 28 years old and is 6’4” 185 pounds. He throws a fastball that generally sits 92-94 but can flash higher. He has two primary breaking balls, a curveball that flashes above average and a slider. He also has a change-up but doesn’t use it much as a reliever.
Early in his career he was a starter but was used exclusively as a reliever in 2021 appearing in 41 games ( 2.70 ERA ) in 50 innings pitched striking out 62 and walking 18.
Kelly pitched in the independent baseball Atlantic League in 2019 for Southern Maryland and signed with the Astros in May of 2021. He was with the Padres organization from 2012 to 2017 when he signed as a free agent with the Orioles. He became a free agent again in 2018 after leaving the Orioles.
Roman Quinn’s designation off the 40 man roster may not mean his Phillies tenure is over. He’s rehabbing from an Achilles injury and if he clears waivers could be re-signed on a minor league contract allowing him to continue his work back towards game shape. He’s one of the most amicable young men we’ve me so we are hoping he stays in the organization.
Yoan Lopez
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