The Phillies released Dontrelle Willis last Friday after he allowed five runs on five hits and four walks over 2 2/3 innings this spring, but it didn’t take him long to find a new home.
As first reported by Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, Willis has latched on with the Orioles on a minor league deal. Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun adds that it’s a split contract worth $700,000 for time spent in the majors.
Willis posted a 5.00 ERA and 57/37 K/BB ratio over 75 2/3 innings with the Reds last season, but the 30-year-old had a .127 batting average against and a 20/2 K/BB ratio against left-handed batters. The Phillies inked him to a one-year, $850,000 deal over the winter with the idea of using him as a left-handed specialist, but they quickly threw in the towel after he dealt with arm fatigue and was showing diminished velocity this spring. It’s not clear whether the O’s intend to use him as a starter or a reliever.
