JD

Hammer

The 29-year-old hurler hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since he was a member of the Phillies during the 2021 season. He had been pitching for the Lake Erie Crushers in the independent Frontier League where he registered a 3.46 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a 46/20 K/BB ratio over 52 innings.

Hammer was outrighted off the 40-man roster in Philadelphia earlier this month after posting a 4.95 ERA and 22/11 K/BB ratio across 20 innings of relief in 2021.

Hammer has refused an outright minor-league assignment after being removed from the Phillies’ 40-man roster. The 27-year-old righty surrendered 11 runs on 21 hits with a 22/11 K/BB ratio across 20 innings (20 appearances) at the major-league level last season.

It’s no longer Hammer Time. The Phils asked the reliever to “please Hammer, don’t hurt ‘em,” but the pitcher didn’t listen, getting clobbered for five runs on one-third of an inning Thursday.

Hammer ended up missing a week as a close contact to someone who tested positive. He’ll rejoin the Phillies’ bullpen as they attempt to chase down the Mets in the NL East.

It’s unclear at this point whether Hammer has tested positive for the virus or perhaps was a close contact to somebody who did. Either way, he’ll be away from the Phillies for at least a little while.

Hammer will give the Phillies’ bullpen a much-needed fresh arm against a relentless Red Sox’ lineup on Saturday afternoon. The 26-year-old righty has recorded a pristine 1.74 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 33/10 K/BB ratio across 20 2/3 innings at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season.

Hammer cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last week. The 25-year-old put up a 3.79 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 13/12 K/BB ratio over his first 19 major league innings in 2019.

Deolis Guerra has been claimed off waivers from the Brewers in a corresponding roster move. Hammer, 25, registered a 3.79 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 13/12 K/BB ratio over his first 19 major league innings in 2019.

Control was a problem for Hammer, who walked 12 in his 19 innings with the Phillies. He’ll get another opportunity eventually.