Phillies claim Nick Martini, DFA Odubel Herrera

The Phillies announced Tuesday that they had claimed outfielder Nick Martini off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, who had claimed him from the Padres last November. In order to make room on the roster, Odubel Herrera was designated for assignment.

Martini, 29, has spent parts of the last two seasons in the Majors with Oakland and San Diego. He owns a .269/.372/.380 line in 288 PA from the left side. He’s almost exclusively a left fielder, and is poised to enter Spring Training in competition for the Phils’ 26th spot.

For Herrera, the book on his time in Philadelphia is nearly closed. He wasn’t wanted back following his domestic violence arrest last May and subsequent yearlong suspension, and now he almost certainly will not be back. If no team trades for him or claims him, he is likely to be released. There’s a small possibility that the Phillies could try to outright him to the minors once he clears; if Herrera refuses, he’d have to forfeit the money remaining on his deal, which amounts to just over $21 million (buyouts on his two options included). That won’t happen, so the Phillies would probably prefer to cut ties and have the money lie dead on their ledger.

Thus concludes an unsuccessful attempt to foist Herrera on some other team and clear some money while washing hands of him. It’s unclear if he’ll find work with another team, but the coming days and weeks may shed some light on that situation.

The 40-man roster remains full at 40.

Revisit Allie’s season review of Herrera and the broader statements the team and league had to make heading into this season here.