The Phillies did some spot-filling on Wednesday and brought in five guys on Minor League deals. Here are their names, positions, ages, career stats, worst fears, and deepest dreams.
Frank Herrmann, RHP
Age: 31
Stats: 4.26 ERA, 2.2 BB/9, 5.4 SO/9, 2.48 SO/W, 1.330 WHIP
Last MLB appearance: October 3, 2012. Threw four pitches for the Indians against the White Sox in a 9-0 loss, but didn't allow any hits or earned runs, and actually hadn't allowed any ER since September 10.
I've always heard boats were bad investments. #econmajor
— Frank Herrmann (@FrankHerrmann56) April 20, 2013
Chris Leroux, RHP
Age: 31
Stats: 6.03 ERA, 4.4 BB/9, 8.3 SO/9, 1.89 SO/W, 1.702 WHIP
Last MLB appearance: May 2, 2014. Appearing in relief for the Yankees, allowed five hits, five earned runs, and two walks in one inning of a 40-pitch massacre.
"Obviously going to Double-A isn't the most ideal situation for me at this point in my career, but going down there and throwing is better than not throwing at all."
--Chris Leroux, after pitching six innings of scoreless relief for the IronPigs this past season
Reiner Roibal, RHP
Age: 26
Stats: 2.62 ERA, 2.3 BB/9, 8.6 SO/9, 3.7 SO/W, 1.244 WHIP
Last MLB appearance: N/A
"[Roibal] Has been a critical addition to the pitching staff since arriving in mid-May from Clearwater. He's pitched in every role, as a starter, middle guy and set-up man. Even saved a game."
--Mike Drago, Reading Eagle, September 2015
Emmanuel Burriss, 2B/SS
Age: 30
Stats: .245/.307/.271, 1 HR, 40 SB, 55 BB, 101 SO, -2.1 WAR in 806 PA
Last MLB appearance: July 25, 2015. Worked a walk and scored a run in the Nationals' 9-3 win over the Pirates.
"He is the first D.C. public school product to play in the majors since Maury Wills [38 years ago]..."
--Chelsea James, Washington Post, June 2015
Ryan Jackson, SS
Age: 27
Stats: .061/.114/.061, 2 H, 2 BB, 10 SO in 39 PA
Last MLB appearance: September 30, 2015. Slotted into the No. 9 spot in the Angels' lineup against the A's. Did not get to bat.
"The Cardinals amassed 15 assists behind Westbrook, seven of them from rookie Ryan Jackson, who started at second base in his major-league debut."
--Joe Strauss, St. Louis Dispatch on Jackson's MLB debut vs. the Phillies in 2012