As expected, the Phillies officially announced they have come to a one-year deal with veteran relief pitcher Rudy Seanez. To make room on the 25-man roster, third baseman Wes Helms has been designated for assignment.

The team now has 10 days to either trade or release Helms, who became a man without a position when the Phillies signed free agent Pedro Feliz two months ago.

Helms, who signed a two-year deal as a free agent before the 2007 season, is owed $2.15 million this season with a $750,000 buyout for 2009; if the Phillies release him, the team would eat $2.9 million.

Helms began the 2007 season as the Phillies starting third baseman, but a lack of productivity forced the team to utilize three-headed mix that included versatile Greg Dobbs and sure-handed Abraham Nunez.

Helms hit just .246 with five home runs and 39 RBIs in 112 games in his only season in Philadelphia.