Did the Orioles get something here?

It’s hard to say, primarily because the circumstances of his move to the Orioles from Texas are a little murky. The Rangers sent him to the Orioles for Nick Green and cash in July. Depending on the source, either Phillips had to be removed from the Rangers’ roster and Nick Green/cash was the best they could do; the Rangers wanted Nick Green as an insurance policy and were willing to send Phillips to the Orioles to get him; or the Orioles wanted Phillips and gave up Green/cash for him. If the Rangers were dumping him, then the Orioles probably don’t have anything; otherwise, they might.

Phillips’ first three full seasons were spent as a starting pitcher; he had a terrible year in Low-A, followed by a good year in Low-A, then a bad year in High-A. He was then shifted to the bullpen, where he’s pitched pretty well in AA and AAA but in kind of an undefined role. He hasn’t been used as a closer and doesn’t seem to have been used as a lefty specialist or swingman. When he pitched for the Tides, he was used in a variety of roles — sometimes desperation closer; sometimes lefty specialist. In a September callup with the Orioles, he pitched very well to 33 batters.

Phillips, apparently, has one thing going for him — he doesn’t give up home runs. He doesn’t have exemplary control; he doesn’t have overpowering strikeout rates; he gives up more hits than you’d like to see. Because he’s not what you look for in a lefthanded spot reliever, I don’t see him having much of a big league career.