Aaron Heilman Signs with Phillies

Days after being handed his walking papers by the Diamondbacks, reliever Aaron Heilman was picked up by the Phillies.  Heilman and the Phils agreed to a minor league deal that will send the right hander to pitch for their Triple-A affiliate.

Heilman was released by the Diamondbacks before Tuesday night’s game to make room for minor leaguer Barry Enright.  The veteran had a disappointing 2011 in the desert, where he was only able to manage a 6.88 ERA over 35.1 innings of relief.  Opposing hitters put up a staggering OPS of .931 against Heilman this season.

With pitchers Jose Contreras and Brad Lidge already on the disabled list, Philadelphia was looking for some insurance for their pen.  Though it may not be ideal, Heilman could also possibly be stretched out as an emergency starter for the club.

While his numbers may have been ugly this year, Heilman has had success at the major league level in the past.  From 2005 through 2007 the 32 year old posted and ERA near 3.25 to go along with a 1.15 WHIP out of the Mets’ bullpen.  Last season Heilman was at least serviceable out of the pen, with a 4.50 earned run average over 72 innings.

For more on the Phillies, be sure to check out That Balls Outta Here.