The Phillies acquired right-hander Erich Uelmen from the Cubs on Wednesday for cash.
Chicago designated Uelmen for assignment on Dec. 24 to open space on the 40-man roster for left-hander Drew Smyly.
Uelmen, 26, spent last season between the Cubs and Triple-A Iowa. In 25 games with the big team, the pitcher posted a 4.67 ERA with 21 strikeouts and 12 walks in 27 innings.
In 42 stretches with Iowa, Uelmen posted a 2.79 earned run percentage, 52 strikeouts and 23 walks.