Phillies Sign Veteran Reliever Lucas Sims to Minor-League Deal
The Philadelphia Phillies have signed veteran right-handed reliever Lucas Sims to a minor-league contract, days after losing key bullpen arm José Alvarado to an 80-game suspension for PED use. Sims will begin his stint with the organization at the Florida Complex League level, as listed on the team’s website.
Sims, 31, joined the Washington Nationals in spring training on a $3 million one-year deal but was released earlier this month after a rough stretch. Over 12⅓ innings across 18 outings, he gave up 14 hits and 19 runs, resulting in a disappointing performance.
His signing provides potential depth for a Phillies bullpen now missing Alvarado, who is also ineligible for the postseason. While Sims’ role with the team remains uncertain, the Phillies are exploring internal options to solidify their late-inning pitching corps.
A former first-round draft pick by the Braves, Sims had a solid run with the Reds, including a standout 2021 season where he struck out 39% of batters over 47 innings. He posted a 3.10 ERA and 1.9 WAR across 61 innings in one of his stronger campaigns. However, his strikeout rate fell to 18.1% with Washington — the fourth-lowest of his career.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have shuffled their roster, optioning top prospect Mick Abel back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following his historic debut, and recalling Max Lazar
