Phillies Rumors: Former Rangers SP Drew Smyly Agrees to Contract

The Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly agreed to a deal with left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

The 30-year-old began the year with the Texas Rangers but was designated for assignment at the end of June. He then signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers but elected for free agency a few weeks later, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Smyly could provide depth to a rotation that has major question marks beyond Aaron Nola. Jake Arrieta and Zach Eflin have been inconsistent, while the rest of the staff has struggled for much of the year.

Smyly could also provide balance on a staff full of righties. 

However, it's difficult to expect much from a pitcher who hasn't been fully healthy since 2016. The veteran posted a 4.88 ERA in 175.1 innings that season but then missed the next two years while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

He returned to the majors with the Rangers but only posted a 1-5 record and 8.42 ERA in 13 appearances (nine starts). He also spent some time on the injured list with nerve tightness.

Smyly made three starts for the Brewers' Triple-A team in San Antonio, allowing seven earned runs in 12.2 innings. On the plus side, he struck out 18 while walking only three in that stretch, which might have been enough to convince another team to take a chance on him as a starter or relief option.