PHILADELPHIA— Per Matt Gelb of the Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies have signed right-handed pitcher Joe Ross to a one-year contract.
Ross is a veteran pitcher with experience in both the starting rotation and the bullpen. President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski spoke recently about adding a “swing” pitcher. One who could fill both roles if needed. Ross fits the billing and the Phillies inked him to a contract late on Monday afternoon.
Phillies sign Joe Ross
Ross debuted in 2015 with the Washington Nationals as a starting pitcher. Joe pitched from 2015 to 2019, then skipped out on the COVID year in 2020. As time progressed, he found himself out of the Nats’ starting rotation and in their bullpen.
After the 2021 season in D.C., Joe Ross bounced around the minor leagues for a few years. In 2024, he returned to the major leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers. Ross pitched in 25 games for the Brewers, starting in 10 of his 25 appearances. He pitched to a 3.77 earned run average across 74 innings of work.
Ross is primarily an innings eater at this point in his career. He seemingly refound himself with Milwaukee last season and now will have a chance to earn a role with the Phillies. He will likely be a depth piece who pitches in low-leverage situations and when a starter gets chased early in a game. It will be a very similar role to what Nick Nelson and others have had with the Phillies in recent seasons.
Photo Credit: Alec Kostival
