The Philadelphia Phillies have lost a potential bullpen depth option after veteran reliever opted out of his minor league contract and quickly signed with the Baltimore Orioles, ending any possibility of a return to Philadelphia’s major league roster this season.
Trivino, 34, had been serving as pitching depth in the Phillies organization but exercised the opt-out clause in his contract earlier this month after not receiving a promotion to the big league club. Once he became a free agent, Baltimore wasted little time signing the veteran right-hander, taking him off the market and giving the Orioles another experienced bullpen arm.
His departure marks the end of a brief but notable second stint with the Phillies organization. Trivino originally joined Philadelphia in August of last year after signing a minor league deal shortly following his release from the Los Angeles Dodgers. He eventually earned a call-up to the major league roster and made 10 appearances for the Phillies late in the 2025 season. In those outings, he pitched effectively, posting a 2.00 ERA over nine innings and giving the team solid bullpen innings down the stretch.
Following the season, the Phillies brought him back on another minor league contract in February, hoping he could again provide veteran depth and potentially compete for a bullpen role. However, Trivino struggled during spring training, allowing eight earned runs across nine innings of work. His rough exhibition performance ultimately cost him a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Because Trivino’s contract included standard veteran opt-out clauses, he had the right to leave if the Phillies did not promote him by certain deadlines. He exercised that option on May 1, bringing his latest stint with the organization to an end.
For Trivino, his time in Philadelphia carried extra significance because of his local roots. Born in Green Lane, Pennsylvania, and a former standout at Slippery Rock University, joining the Phillies represented a homecoming opportunity for the veteran reliever. During his previous time with the team, he even had a memorable viral moment when he reunited on the field with his third-grade teacher following a Phillies victory last September.
Prior to his Philadelphia tenure, Trivino had stops with several organizations, including the Dodgers, Giants, Yankees, and Athletics. His most productive years came with Oakland, the franchise that selected him in the 11th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. During his time with the Athletics, he emerged as a dependable late-inning reliever and recorded 36 saves over five seasons, including a career-best 22 saves in 2021.
Across his major league career, Trivino owns a 3.87 ERA with 336 strikeouts in 332 appearances, along with a 24-27 record. His extensive experience and prior success made him an appealing option for clubs seeking bullpen reinforcements.
The Phillies’ decision not to promote Trivino is somewhat notable given their bullpen inconsistency this season. Through 34 games, Philadelphia relievers have posted a 4.19 ERA, and the bullpen has been one of the team’s more inconsistent units. Closer Jhoan Duran has already spent time on the injured list, while offseason addition Brad Keller has struggled to produce at the expected level.
Even so, the Phillies opted to give opportunities to younger arms such as Seth Johnson, Alan Rangel, and Chase Shughart instead of calling up Trivino. That likely played a major role in his decision to seek a better opportunity elsewhere.
With reliable relief pitching in high demand around baseball, it is no surprise that Trivino quickly found another home. Now with Baltimore, the veteran reliever will look to revive his career and prove he still belongs in a major league bullpen.
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