Phillies designate Andrew Vasquez for assignment

The Phillies are dealing with a bit of a roster crunch and as a result, they had to let go of a good reliever that did not have any minor league options remaining.

Andrew Vasquez was designated for assignment, according to the team. Vasquez and Josh Harrison were designated for assignment to make room on the active roster for Michael Lorenzen and Rodolfo Castro, who were acquired via trade prior to Tuesday’s 6 p.m. ET. trade deadline.

Vasquez, 29, found a niche as a slider-hurling lefty middle reliever with multiple arm slots. He has a 2.27 ERA on the season.

He was arguably one of the best players on the Phillies during the first two months of the season. Vasquez posted a 1.62 ERA in 23 games from Opening Day to June 17.

The lefty has been used sparingly over the last month as the Phillies were involved in many close games and Vasquez was starting to get hit hard. Since June 20, Vasquez has a 5.68 ERA over six games. Opponents have slashed .379/.438/.655 against Vasquez in that span.

The move reinforces the Phillies’ belief in Dylan Covey, who is used almost exclusively in mop-up duty. The Phillies have labeled him as a “long man.”

The Phillies also announced that Lorenzen and Castro have reported to the team. Lorenzen will wear No. 22. Castro will wear No. 29.

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