Tue Dec 24 10:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Phillies Bolster Pitching Staff with Signing of Joe Ross, Eyeing 2025 for Top Prospect Painter
**Philadelphia, PA** – The Philadelphia Phillies have further strengthened their pitching rotation with the signing of veteran right-hander Joe Ross to a one-year deal. This move follows closely on the heels of Sunday’s trade acquisition of Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins.
While Luzardo is currently favored to claim the final spot in the starting rotation, Ross provides valuable depth and insurance, particularly while the team strategically manages the development of highly touted prospect Andrew Painter.
President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski revealed the organization’s plan to carefully manage Painter’s workload in 2025, delaying his Spring Training debut. Despite a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League (2-0, 2.30 ERA), the Phillies aim to preserve Painter’s innings for a potential late-season contribution at the Major League level, possibly beginning in June or August.
Luzardo joins Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, and Cristopher Sánchez in the starting rotation, while Ross will fill a versatile bullpen role, offering length and the potential for spot starts – a similar role to Spencer Turnbull’s last season. This strategic depth is crucial while waiting for Painter’s promotion.
The acquisition of Ross followed a rapid series of moves, initially with Ross considered for the fifth starting role. However, the opportunity to acquire Luzardo changed the team’s approach, highlighting their commitment to improving the roster at every opportunity.
Ross, 31, brings a 3.77 ERA from his 2024 season with the Milwaukee Brewers. He transitioned seamlessly from starting to relief pitching, displaying increased effectiveness in the latter role (1.67 ERA in 15 relief appearances).
The Phillies also recently signed reliever Jordan Romano, adding further depth to the bullpen to offset potential departures of free agents Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez. The current bullpen configuration leaves one open spot, likely to be filled by Taijuan Walker or another standout performer during Spring Training. Dombrowski expressed confidence in the bullpen’s current makeup.
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