SAN DIEGO _ In recent weeks, Brett Oberholtzer had pitched his best games of the season. The 27-year-old lefthander filled the unceremonious role of long man in the Phillies bullpen. Most of his 26 appearances came with the team trailing.
But the Phillies had already decided Oberholtzer was not a part of the future. On Saturday, they designated him for assignment to free a roster spot for Jake Thompson, who made his major-league debut.
The Phillies have 10 days to trade or waive Oberholtzer. He could remain in the organization.
"Lately, he's been pretty effective for us," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "But I think there are more important people for us to see to make a determination about whether they fit. And that's what this year is about. We have to start giving opportunities to people to either make it or break it."
Oberholtzer was a part of the package acquired from Houston in the Ken Giles trade. In the spring, he was a candidate to be the fifth starter. Mostly, the Phillies looked at him as someone to chew up innings.
With less than two months to play in 2016, the Phillies have begun to trim the flotsam. The team said it would release Andrew Bailey, the veteran reliever who was designated for assignment earlier in the week.
The removal of Oberholtzer from the roster meant the Phillies had zero lefties on the entire staff. He had a 4.83 ERA in 50 1/3 innings and a 2.88 mark since June 8. But the Phillies prioritized arms like Michael Mariot, Severino Gonzalez and Luis Garcia.
Mariot and Garcia will be out of options in 2017 and both have spent the majority of this season in the minors. They will have more chances to pitch their way into consideration. Gonzalez, who struck out 20 and walked just three in his first 19 innings this season, has improved his standing.
The Phillies have five other relievers not currently in the majors but on the 40-man roster: Elvis Araujo, Jimmy Cordero, Dalier Hinojosa, Phil Klein, and Colton Murray.
EXTRA BASES
Jeremy Hellickson, who allowed three runs in 6 2/3 innings during Friday's 5-4 win over the Padres, said he has no extra motivation after not being dealt at the trade deadline. "I'm pitching for these guys behind me in this locker room," Hellickson said. "I don't know what went on, who offered what, but I'm pitching for these guys in here and that's it." ... Outfielder Peter Bourjos (sprained right shoulder) began a rehab assignment Saturday for triple-A Lehigh Valley. He is eligible to be activated Wednesday.
