Needing to replenish some of their organizational pitching depth after some recent trades, the Philadelphia Phillies have signed Zach Miner to a minor league deal. The 30 year old right-hander will also receive an invitation to Spring Training.
Zach Miner will continue his attempt at returning to the Majors after signing a minor league deal with the Phillies. (Image Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports)
Miner has not appeared in a Major League game since the 2009 season. He was sidelined early in 2010 with some discomfort in his elbow and would end up undergoing Tommy John Surgery. He’s worked to regain his old form since. Miner spent the 2006 to 2009 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, seeing some relatively unheralded success. Miner went 25-20 over that span, pitching 357.0 innings over 157 appearances (including 35 starts), adding a 4.24 ERA and 1.457 WHIP.
This past season was spent in Detroit’s minor league system, after his contract was purchased from the Kansas City Royals in mid-April. He went 2-0 with a 2.79 ERA over 42.0 innings across three levels, making 27 appearances (3 starts).
Miner may prove to be a nice organizational arm for the Phillies, but he’s the type of pitcher who could end up having some impact with some strong performances in the minor leagues upon the completion of Spring Training. He offers depth and the flexibility to spot start if needed, while not handcuffing the team into keeping him on their 40-man roster. The organization has seen positive returns from having veteran arms on their Triple-A roster in years past, serving as mentors for the team’s younger pitchers. Such a role may suit Miner well.