Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Phils' deal for reliever may be near

The Phillies may be close to signing a free-agent relief pitcher - probably Danys Baez or Mike MacDougal. Baez, who pitched last season for Baltimore, and MacDougal, who pitched last season for Washington, are seen as prospective setup men by the Phillies. Both are 32 and have experience as closers.

Mike MacDougal (left) saved 20 games for the Nationals in 2009. Danys Baez was 4-6 for the Orioles with a 4.02 ERA. (AP file photos)
Mike MacDougal (left) saved 20 games for the Nationals in 2009. Danys Baez was 4-6 for the Orioles with a 4.02 ERA. (AP file photos)Read more

The Phillies may be close to signing a free-agent relief pitcher - probably Danys Baez or Mike MacDougal.

Baez, who pitched last season for Baltimore, and MacDougal, who pitched last season for Washington, are seen as prospective setup men by the Phillies. Both are 32 and have experience as closers.

Baez's agent, Greg Genske, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

On Tuesday, MacDougal's agent said the Phillies had been in contact with him and were interested in his client. But the agent, Rex Gary, would not say how advanced the discussions were.

In the last few days, the market for relievers has heated up.

The Los Angeles Angels signed former Detroit closer Fernando Rodney to a two-year, $11 million contract. Washington and former Pittsburgh closer Matt Capps reached preliminary agreement on a one-year, $3.5 million accord, and Oakland reportedly reached a one-year agreement to hold onto Justin Duchscherer for an undisclosed amount.

Baez was 4-6 for the Orioles last season, with a 4.02 ERA. He missed the 2008 season after undergoing elbow surgery. In 2009, he made $5.5 million in the final year of a three-year, $19 million contract.

MacDougal saved 20 games for the Nationals after assuming the closer's role in late May, and made $2.65 million for the season. He closed for Kansas City in 2003 and '05.