The Philadelphia Phillies acquired right-hander Michael Rucker from the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated right-hander Andrew Bellatti for assignment. Rucker had been designated for assignment by the Cubs before the trade. The 29-year-old made 35 appearances out of Chicago's bullpen in 2023 and posted a 4.91 ERA (4.84 FIP) and 1.44 WHIP with 19 walks and 40 strikeouts in a total of 40 1/3 innings pitched. In three seasons with the Cubbies, he's totaled a 4.96 ERA (4.57 FIP), a 1.39 WHIP, one save, 50 walks and 120 strikeouts in 96 total relief appearances (123 1/3 frames). Rucker will be competing for a middle-relief role with the Phillies this spring.