Pitcher Michael Rucker is acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies from the Chicago Cubs in a trade
CBS Philadelphia – After pitchers and catchers reported for spring training, the Philadelphia Phillies included one additional arm in the mix one week later. Right-hander Michael Rucker was traded by the Phillies to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.
Philadelphia paid Chicago money for Rucker, who was supposed to be assigned on February 1.
Pitcher Andrew Bellatti was designated for assignment by the Phillies to create way for Rucker on the 40-man roster.
Michael Rucker: who is he?
Last season, Michael Rucker played in 35 games with the Chicago Cubs. In 40 1/3 innings, the 29-year-old pitcher struck out 40 batters, walked 19, and pitched to a 51.8% ground ball rate. His ERA was 4.91.
Rucker throws a cutter, slider, curveball, changeup, and sinker in addition to his four-seam fastball, according to Baseball Savant. His fastball, cutter, slider, and curve are his main weapons. In 2023, his fastball averaged 94.6 mph.
Rucker played in 41 games for Chicago in 2022 and had a 3.95 ERA.
Rucker was originally selected by the Cubs in the eleventh round of the 2016 MLB draft, out of BYU. Rucker has started and relieved in the minor leagues, appearing in 138 games over the course of seven seasons with 44 starts.
With one minor-league option left on Rucker, the Phillies will have versatility in their bullpen.
The Phillies bullpen is largely set going into spring training. Rucker will be competing for one, possibly two, of the available places. With its lower-leverage relievers, Philadelphia will have options thanks to the marginal trade of Rucker.
And what about Andrew Bellatti?
The Phillies will have seven days to make a decision regarding Andrew Bellatti. Any player designated for assignment under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement is required to be transferred or placed on outright or unconditional release waivers within seven days of receiving the designation.
What will happen to Bellatti next?
Since the 32-year-old had used up all of his minor league options, sending him to the lower levels would require him to pass waivers.
Bellatti has three options with the Phillies: trade, release, or put him on waivers. Philadelphia could then assign him to one of its minor league affiliates if he were to clear outright waivers.
Bellatti could not turn down the assignment because he has fewer than five years of major league experience. He would also be unable to decline the assignment because he has less than three years of service time.
