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Phillies Acquire RP Pat Neshek From Houston Astros

By Gary Brinson

Apr 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak before a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak before a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 28, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Pat Neshek (37) pitches in the eighth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Astros won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Pat Neshek (37) pitches in the eighth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Astros won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Phillies and GM Matt Klentak are wasting no time trying to fix their bullpen.

According to Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle, the Phillies have acquired relief pitcher Pat Neshek for a PTBNL and cash from the Houston Astros.

Related Story: Phillies Free Agency Target: Outfielder Michael Saunders

 Reports came out that the Astros would shop Neshek this offseason just days ago.

The move comes as the offseason is (literally) just getting started, but Klentak isn’t wasting time. Neshek has been a solid reliever throughout his career, owning a 2.93 ERA in 383 innings pitched with 378 strikeouts (8.9 K/9).

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He’s a right-handed sidearmer, who specializes in getting righties out. Right handed batters have only hit .184 against Neshek in his career, while lefties have hit .237.

Neshek remains under club control for one more season, at just $6.5 million, so his 36 years of age shouldn’t scare anyone.

Why Did The Phillies Make The Move?

This is a depth move, and one that should make the Phils dreadful bullpen better in the short-term.

This move should also be a positive sign for fans. Klentak is showing he’s done with the low-risk, low-reward one year deals (Bailey, Frieri, Russell, etc), and going out and getting a sure thing for a little extra cash, at the same commitment level.

Hopefully the trend continues, and the team continue to sure-up their bullpen. With a young staff set to lead the way for the club they’ll need every ounce of help from their pen they can get.

We’ll get more details as they come about for the PTBNL, but with Neshek’s age and the contract relief Klentak is providing Houston, don’t expect a big name prospect.

Next: Phillies Free Agency Target: Outfielder Colby Rasmus

Stay tuned to TBOH for all the latest regarding the Phils Hot Stove season, things are bound to heat up for the club pretty soon.

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