PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Phillies have been looking to add depth to their pitching staff, and having a southpaw is an added bonus.
The Phillies have agreed to a one-year deal with left-hander Matt Moore, and the veteran is expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation.
Moore has pitched for four other major league teams and spent last season in Japan — after suffering a knee injury with Detroit in 2019, Moore elected to head overseas. Now, Moore is excited about the chance to pitch in Philadelphia.
"I really just wanted to find the best situation even if I had to kind of go in there and take care of business on my end to earn that spot," said Moore. "More so was, I think, about being in a position to compete."
Moore had been on the Phillies radar after his strong performance overseas.
One of the priorities of the front office was to strengthen the starting rotation, and Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski believes Moore is ready to pick up where he left off before his injury.
"He started off pitching very well in 2019 before an unfortunate injury to his knee," Dombrowski said. "We're very happy to have him as part of the organization, somebody we think that can help us a great deal. We're pleased to add a left-hander to our rotation."
The Phillies know all too well about the importance of pitching depth. Many of the starters were inconsistent, while the bullpen suffered through a disastrous 2020 campaign.
Manager Joe Girardi understands he will need as many arms as possible heading into the season.
"There are so many things that have to go right," said Girardi. "Health is always the first one and I think, for example, acquiring pitching depth is important because you know at some point, and you pray to God it doesn't happen, that somebody is going to get nicked up."
There are plenty of left-handed sluggers on the Phillies schedule, so Moore could prove to be a valuable addition. Despite being away from the U.S. last season, Moore believes his experience in Japan may make him a better pitcher in his return.
"I feel like I learned a lot about myself," Moore said. "I feel like I'm capable of things probably right now that maybe I didn't think I was a year ago."
