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Left-handed relief pitchers in Major League Baseball can be a valuable commodity if they're able to get things figured out in the big leagues. Unfortunately for southpaw Mauricio Robles, he has struggled the past few years with the Mariners organization.
After being designated for assignment by the M's last week, the Philadelphia Phillies decided they would take a chance on him by claiming him off waivers. Greg Johns on MLB.com tweeted the news on Friday afternoon.
Robles, 23, came into professional baseball in 2008. He's spent time with the Tigers and Mariners, although he's yet to pitch in the Major Leagues. He split time between Double- and Triple-A this past year with the Seattle organization and really struggled, posted a 5.11 ERA over the course of 72 2/3 innings.
It did not seem likely that Robles would earn a spot on the 25-man roster out of spring training, which was the reason Seattle decided to let him go. Robles will look to claim a spot with the Phillies in the coming months.