Drew Smyly Nearing MLB Deal With Phillies Pending a Physical

This has been in the works the past few days, but it appears the Philadelphia Phillies are reaching an agreement with left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly on an MLB deal pending a physical.

It's been known since Thursday that Smyly had plans to join the Phillies, and now those rumors are coming to fruition.

Drew Smyly’s Phillies deal is an MLB deal pending physical. Assuming all checks out they expect to start him soon. Via @JSalisburyNBCS that could be as early as Sunday
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 20, 2019

Not only will Smyly avoid going to the minor leagues to prove himself, the belief is that he'll make a start for the Phillies as early as Sunday, especially now that right-hander Nick Pivetta is back in the bullpen.

It sounds like Smyly could start a game this weekend for the Phillies. They could bump either Pivetta or Velasquez to a late-inning relief role. Smyly, 30, had an 8.42 ERA with TEX, then pitched in AAA for MIL. https://t.co/oY75pA1r4H
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 19, 2019

The 30-year-old southpaw began the 2019 campaign with the Texas Rangers, making 13 appearances (nine starts) and posting a 1-5 record with an abysmal 8.42 ERA. After being released by Texas in June, the Milwaukee Brewers signed him to a minor league deal and then released him a couple days ago after less than three weeks with the organization.

This year was the first time since 2016 that Smyly pitched on a major league mound, as he underwent Tommy John surgery a couple years ago and has failed to return to form.

The Phillies are hoping Smyly can return to what made him a highly-touted pitcher with the Tampa Bay Rays.