The Philadelphia Phillies signed free-agent reliever Nick Vespi to a minor-league deal on Thursday that includes an invitation to big-league spring training. The 29-year-old left-hander had a 3.88 ERA (4.23 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, 46:13 K:BB and one save in 53 1/3 innings over 45 relief appearances for the Baltimore Orioles the last three seasons and will provide potential depth to Philadelphia's bullpen for the 2025 campaign. Vespi had his best season with the O's last year, allowing four earned runs on 10 hits (one homer) while walking three and striking out nine in 12 2/3 relief innings. However, Vespi was hit around in the minors at Triple-A Norfolk, posting a 7.23 ERA and 2.03 WHIP with 51 strikeouts and 31 walks in 42 1/3 innings. Vespi will not be on the fantasy radar heading into next season.
Baltimore Orioles left-hander Nick Vespi (hernia) had successful hernia surgery on Thursday morning that was performed by Dr. Russell Novak. Vespi will begin his rehab in Sarasota, Fla., next week. The Orioles expect him to be available for the early part of the 2023 season. The 27-year-old southpaw made his major-league debut for the O's in 2022 and went a perfect 5-0 with a 4.10 ERA (4.48 FIP), a 1.40 WHIP, one save, 28 strikeouts and eight walks in 26 1/3 relief innings. The Orioles will be hoping he can provide them with more solid left-handed relief depth in 2023, but he won't be on the fantasy radar at all.