The Phillies have announced that right-handed relief pitcher David Herndon has been claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays.

RHP David Herndon has been claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays.

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) October 23, 2012

Herndon, 27, underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2012 and is therefore unlikely to appear in game action until late spring at the very earliest.

The Phillies acquired Herndon from the Los Angeles Angels in the Rule 5 draft in 2009.

Lauded for his heavy sinker, Herndon showed flashes but never really met his potential, particularly as a groundball pitcher, and never really figured out how to consistently miss bats. Over parts of three seasons, he posted a 3.85 ERA in 117 innings pitched, with 76 strikeouts and 42 walks. Herndon also struggled badly against left-handed batters and did remarkably well against righties (1.055 OPS versus lefties, .658 OPS against right-handed batters).

Herndon was always something of a cause celebre around these parts, so, be well David, and good luck in Toronto.