Phillies bringing back Jerome Williams

The Phillies re-signed starting pitcher Jerome Williams Tuesday to a one-year contract, giving the team a back-of-the-rotation option for next season.

The Phillies claimed Williams, 32, off waivers in August. The righthander finished 4-2 with a 2.83 earned run average in nine starts. He allowed two runs or fewer in six of his nine starts.

"He did a nice job," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told the team's website. "We feel he has some upside. He's got some versatility. He'll be given every opportunity to be part of our rotation, but he has some versatility to pitch in the middle [of the bullpen] somewhere if not."

Williams' contract is worth $2.5 million. It includes performance bonuses, according Amaro. Williams started two games for Texas last season and pitched in relief for Houston before joining the Phillies.

The rest of the Phillies rotation - besides ace Cole Hamels - remains fluid. Cliff Lee is recovering from a strained left elbow, A.J. Burnett is weighing retirement, and Kyle Kendrick is set to become a first-time free agent next month. David Buchanan, 25, started 20 games as a rookie and finished 6-8 with a 3.75 ERA. He is likely to join Williams in the back of the rotation.