On an otherwise slow news day--all the key decision-makers partook in a late night at last night's All-Star Game after all, the Phillies claimed Dalier Hinojosa off waivers from the Red Sox, a move that is likely only significant because of the level of talent currently available on the major league roster:
#Phillies have claimed RHP Dalier Hinojosa off waivers from Boston. He has been optioned to Lehigh Valley and will report to Rochester.
— Stephen Gross (@SteveGrossMCall) July 15, 2015
Hinojosa--which profiles as an incredibly fun name to say--has been a reliever in the Red Sox organization since signing with them as an international free agent in October 2013. At 29 years old, there is probably not a lot of development left. SoxProspects.com has the right-hander's fastball between 91 and 95 mph with late life, but poor command and control. He also has shown a potentially average curveball, a slider described as a "weapon that could miss bats at the highest level." His changeup is still developing.
Resident Good Phight Prospect Man Cormican has this to say: "he's kind of similar to acquiring Cesar Jimenez or Luis Garcia." This description fits with the reports from SoxProspects above.
In 103.2 innings over the past two seasons with the Red Sox AAA affiliate in Pawtucket, Hinojosa has a 3.56 ERA with a 104/50 SO/BB ratio. He has also made one relief appearance with the major league club on May 3rd of this year. In that appearance he threw 40 pitches (only 19 strikes!) over 1.2 innings. Although he gave up no hits, no runs, and struck out two Yankees hitters (A-Rod and Chris Young), he also walked three Yankees. That he threw 40 pitches would seem to mesh well with the Phillies' usage of relief pitchers.
Jokes aside, this move adds pitching depth to a team desperate for just that. At the very least, this move gives me something to annoy my fiancee with this evening as I constantly repeat "ee-no-HOE-sah" under my breath. I encourage you all to do the same to your friends and loved ones. For a pronunciation guide, it may help to consult the following: