The Mariners claimed right-handed pitcher Phillips Valdez from the Texas Rangers on Friday morning, bringing the 40-man roster to 38. Valdez stands at a 6’2″, 170 lbs and made his major league debut in 2019.
The 27-year-old righty throws a sinking fastball that sits 92-93 MPHs and touches 95 on occasion. He backs it up with an 85 mph changeup, which he throws about 35% of the time and a slider which he rarely uses.
Valdez’s fastball is rather heavy, generating spin rates that rank in the 88th percentile of all of baseball, allowing it to play up above its average velocity.