Phils claim Lahey, sign Woodward

The Phillies made a number of transactions Friday as they get ready for the season opener.

The team claimed pitcher Tim Lahey off waivers from the Chicago Cubs; outrighted pitcher J.D. Durbin, infielder Ray Olmedo and outfielder Chris Snelling to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and signed infielder Chris Woodward to a Minor League deal.

Lahey, 26, went to spring training with Chicago after being selected in December's Rule 5 Draft from Minnesota and appeared in 11 spring games. He was originally drafted by Minnesota in 2004 as a catcher and was converted to a pitcher after that season. Last year between Double-A New Britain and Triple-A Rochester, Lahey went 8-4 with 14 saves and a 3.65 ERA in 52 games.

Woodward, 31, hit .393 (11-28) in 15 games this spring for the Yankees. He spent last season with Atlanta and has also played for the New York Mets (2005-06) and Toronto (1999-2004), who originally drafted him in 1994. In 607 career games, Woodward has a .243 average with 33 home runs and 186 RBI. He has played every position on the diamond except pitcher and catcher.