The Phillies picked up a solid reliever Thursday when they claimed the right-handed Juan Nicasio from the Pittsburgh Pirates off of waivers. Rather than letting a competitor pick up Nicasio, the Pirates hoped an AL team would pick him up. A non-contending team like Philadelphia is probably just as good.
In 65 appearances with the Pirates this year, Nicasio had a 2.85 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 3.07 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He provides help to a bullpen stripped down by injuries and trades.
To make room for Nicasio, the team designated first baseman/outfielder Brock Stassi for assignment. In 51 major-league games this year, Stassi hit .