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The Phillies added a seasoned late-game reliever to their list of field candidates.
Brandon Kintzler has accepted a minor league contract with the club, sources have confirmed. The 36-year-old right-hander led the Miami Marlins with 12 saves last year and recorded a career-high 29 throwing for the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals in 2017.
Based on his background, Kintzler, who was an All-Star with the Twins in 2017, has a good chance of earning a spot in the season opener for the Phillies. He’s one of the few relievers added by the club since Dave Dombrowski was hired as president of baseball operations in December.
Dombrowski’s signing was the signing of free agent Archie Bradley. In addition, Dombrowski traded for Jose Alvarado and Sam Coonrod. He also added veterans Neftali Feliz, Hector Rondon, Michael Ynoa, David Paulino and others, including Kintzler, on minor league deals.
The Phillies had the worst field in the majors in 2020. The team lost 21 games in which they had held a lead at one point, most in the majors, and the field finished with a 7 ERA, 06.
Hector Neris returns to the bullpen in 2021 and Connor Brogdon, based on his work in 2020, could keep a spot. After that, the Phillies’ statement pen could have a bunch of newcomers in 2021.
Despite just 14 batters and an 11-innings walk in 24 11s for Miami last year, Kintzler threw a 2.22 ERA and helped the Marlins reach the expanded postseason field in 2020.
Kintzler was opened by explaining how the Marlins, who had been ravaged by COVID-19 at the start of the season, were inspired by a trip to Philadelphia. While in the clubhouse, the Marlins players overheard NBC Sports Philadelphia pre and postgame analyst Ricky Bottalico call them “bottom feeders.” It became a rallying cry for the Marlins, who overtook the Phillies in the standings in the closing days of the season. They even had the phrase printed on T-shirts.
Maybe Kintzler has an extra one in his Ricky Bo duffel bag.
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