PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have declined options on relievers Héctor Neris, David Phelps and David Robertson, clearing out the bullpen after it posted the highest ERA in the majors. Philadelphia also said Friday that right-hander Heath Hembree, left-hander Adam Morgan and right-hander Blake Parker all elected free agency rather than accept outright assignments off the 40-man roster.
Right-hander Johan Quezada was claimed off waivers from Miami, and infielder Phil Gosselin also refused an outright assignments and elected free agency.
Neris’ option was worth $7,111,111, including $111,111 in escalators for games finished. He was Philadelphia’s most reliable reliever in 2019 but struggled in 2020 after landing on the COVID-19 injured list during summer camp workouts.