Phillies claim Jerome Williams off waivers from Rangers

The Phillies have claimed right-hander Jerome Williams off waivers from the Rangers, according to a team announcement. Williams was designated for assignment by Texas last week before hitting the waiver wire.

Williams, 32, will take the rotation spot of Roberto Hernandez, who was shipped to the Dodgers in a trade on Thursday. He started the season with the Astros, posting a 6.04 ERA in 26 appearances out of the bullpen before being released and signing a minor league deal with the Rangers last month. He made two starts for Texas before being designated for assignment, and has a combined 2-5 record and 6.71 ERA in 57.2 innings on the season.

Williams has been a serviceable swingman throughout his career, holding a lifetime 44-52 record and 4.51 ERA in 183 appearances (119 starts) with the Giants (2003-2005), Cubs (2005-2006), Nationals (2007), Angels (2011-2013), Astros (2014) and Rangers (2014). He is a free agent after the season.