Phillies Invite Three Veteran Bullpen Arms to Spring Training

The Phillies have added three veteran arms to their roster before they head to spring training on Feb 11.

Today, team signed lefty Francisco Liriano, along with Bud Norris and Drew Storen on Tuesday to minor league contracts with an invitations to spring training.

Storen was the former Nationals closer, who last pitched in the majors back in 2017.  Now 32, the former first-round pick hasn't pitched at the major league level due to Tommy John surgery.  He made nine appearances with the Royals Double-A affiliate, Northwest Arkansas, last season with a 7.84 ERA.

Liriano, 36, had a 3.47 ERA with 63 strikeouts across 70 innings of work for the Pirates last season. The veteran lefty is an interesting name, he can earn $1.5 million if he's on the major league roster, with an additional $1.25 million available through performance-based incentives.

Norris sat out the entire 2019 regular season after suffering a forearm injury at Blue Jays camp last March. He last pitched with St. Louis in 2018 as the closer for the Cardinals. The 34-year-old posted a solid 3.59 ERA in 57 2/3 innings as the Cardinals closer with 28 saves.

Phillies pitchers and catchers report in Clearwater on Feb 11.