The Philadelphia Phillies may not have landed every player fans were hoping for before the trade deadline, but they still reinforced their roster by adding several experienced veterans to complement a core already filled with proven talent. As anticipated, those moves also created a roster crunch that forced the club to make difficult personnel decisions.
Following the acquisitions of Luis Arraez, Caleb Kilian, and Brooks Raley, the Phillies began reshaping the back end of their roster, particularly within the bullpen, as they worked through their pitching depth. That process has now resulted in one veteran reliever officially parting ways with the organization after being removed from the major league roster.
On Monday, the Phillies designated catcher Payton Henry and relievers Nolan Hoffman and Lou Trivino for assignment to make room for their trio of trade deadline additions. On Wednesday, the official transaction log indicated that Trivino had cleared waivers and selected free agency rather than accept an assignment to Triple-A.
The move came shortly after Trivino returned from the injured list for the organization.
“Phillies activated RHP Lou Trivino from the 10-day injured list (and then) designated him for assignment,” NBC Sports’ Matthew Pouliot reported earlier this week. “Trivino had been on the IL since July 8 with a back issue. He’s healthy again now, having pitched two scoreless innings in Triple-A on a rehab assignment, but the Phillies declined to make room for him in their bullpen.”
Trivino’s departure concludes what proved to be a relatively short chapter in his winding big-league career, which included multiple stints with the Phillies during the past year.
Trivino signed a minor league deal with the Phillies in the offseason, but opted out of that and joined the Baltimore Orioles for a very brief stint. After he was designated for assignment by the Orioles, he elected free agency and re-signed with the Phillies.
The 34-year-old enjoyed his best years on the mound with the Oakland Athletics from 2018 through 2021, when he established himself as a dependable late-inning reliever. However, injuries, a Tommy John surgery and declining velocity have made it difficult for him to recapture that form.
Trivino struggled across limited appearances with both Baltimore and Philadelphia this season, allowing 10 earned runs over six major league innings. Even after successfully completing a rehab assignment, the Phillies opted to prioritize other bullpen options following their deadline additions.
Now back on the open market, Trivino will look for another opportunity with a contender in need of experienced relief depth. Given his track record and extensive major league experience, it would not be surprising if another organization gives the veteran reliever another chance. And, given how this season has gone so far, it wouldn’t be too surprising if he ends up back on the Phillies.
