Phillies sign veteran lefty to one-year deal (originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia).
The Phillies are looking to add pitching depth to their roster, which is mostly complete except for potential help in outfield, bench, and bullpen positions. On Tuesday, they announced a one-year agreement with left-hander Kolby Allard.
Allard, 26, spent last season with the Braves. In 2015, Atlanta selected him in the first round, five spots after the Phillies chose Cornelius Randolph, a high school outfielder.
Allard has made 69 career appearances, 38 of them starts, and has a 6.10 ERA. He’s not overpowering with a fastball that averages 90-91 mph.
Allard could provide rotation depth for a Phillies team that is thin beyond its five starters (Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, Taijuan Walker and Cristopher Sanchez.) The only other potential starting options on the 40-man roster are Nick Nelson and Dylan Covey.
Allard has one option year remaining so the Phillies would be able to move him from Triple A to the majors as needed. He is under club control through 2026 so they could go through the arbitration process with him if he impresses this season.
