Updated: 5 p.m.
Suddenly in a pinch for roster spots, the Phillies traded left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin to Oakland in a cash deal Saturday. Irvin’s departure from the 40-man roster clears a spot for left-handed pitcher Matt Moore, who will be added to the roster once his signing becomes official.
The Phillies also traded shortstop Kyle Holder to the Reds for cash considerations. The Phils selected Holder, a 2015 first-round pick, in December's Rule 5 draft from the Yankees. He has yet to play above Double A.
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The Phillies needed to clear the second spot on the 40-man roster to make room for the return of shortstop Didi Gregorius once his contract becomes official. Gregorius agreed to a two-year deal on Saturday.
The Phillies are probably not done adding. They are still probing the market for starting pitching depth and bullpen help. Signing a pitcher to a big-league deal would necessitate more subtraction from the 40-man roster.
Irvin, who turns 27 on Sunday, was the Phils’ fifth-round selection in the 2016 draft. He pitched in 16 games in the majors over the last two seasons and recorded a 6.75 ERA.
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