The Phillies claimed righthander Tim Lahey off waivers from the Cubs and outrighted pitcher J.D. Durbin, infielder Ray Olmedo and outfielder Chris Snelling to triple A Lehigh Valley.
Infielder Chris Woodward was signed to a minor-league contract
Lahey, a 6-5, 250-pound starter, played at Princveton. Lahey, 26, went to spring training with Chicago after being selected in December's Rule 5 Draft from Minnesota and appeared in 11 spring games. He was originally drafted by Minnesota in 2004 as a catcher and was converted to a pitcher after that season. Last year between double-A New Britain and triple-A Rochester, Lahey went 8-4 with 14 saves and a 3.65 ERA in 52 games. He will wear #33.
Here's more on Lahey from Baseball America, right after he went to the Cubs in the Rule 5 Draft. He's a converted catcher and has put up good numbers in 178 minor-league innings, with a 2:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and less than a hit allowed per frame. His spring numbers with the Cubs weren't great (6.55 ERA, 7 BB in 11 IP), but he's certainly worth a shot given the Real Deal-ish alternatives.
This all sounds good to me: the Phils get a better bullpen option than J.D. Durbin, but manage to keep both Durbin and (to my surprise and delight) Snelling. Wes Helms presumably makes the team as the 14th and final position player, at least until Lidge comes back next weekend.