The Phillies have signed 33-year old righty starting pitcher Joel Pineiro to a minor league deal. He pitched in 27 games (24 starts) for the Angels last year and he was 7-7 with a 5.13 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. Pineiro has now pitched in 335 games (263 starts) in his major league career so far and he is 104-93 with 2 saves, a 4.41 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. This was a good move as Pineiro could step into the rotation if Joe Blanton has any issues. He could also serve as the long man in the pen if he doesn’t make the opening day starting rotation.

UPDATE: (3/19/2012) - The Phillies have released Joel Pineiro.