Phillies sign free-agent reliever Parker

The Phillies signed right-hander Blake Parker to a Major League contract on Tuesday. He joined their bullpen in time for the series opener against the Giants.

Parker, who had a 4.21 ERA in 37 appearances this season with the Twins, recently cleared waivers.

The Phillies optioned right-hander Edgar Garcia to Triple-A Lehigh Valley make room for Parker on the 25-man roster. They designated infielder Mitch Walding for assignment to make room for Parker on the 40-man roster.

When a player's contract is designated for assignment -- often abbreviated "DFA" -- that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster, and 25-man roster if he was on that as well. Within seven days of the transaction (it was previously 10 days), the player must either be traded, released or placed on irrevocable outright waivers.