Phillies trade rumors: Phillies plan to add lefty to bullpen
The latest Phillies trade rumors suggest they’ll add a lefty today
Phillies trade rumors are all over the place, as you can see on our live trade tracker, and the latest rumor is surrounding the bullpen.
Ken Rosenthal and Matt Gelb of The Athletic both are reporting the Phillies are “expected” to add a left-handed pitcher to their bullpen. The name mentioned by Rosenthal is one of the Phillies organization and fan base knows well, Jake Diekman.
Former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr traded Diekman in the Cole Hamels deal with Texas in 2015, which was a major move in the rebuild. After missing all but 11 games last year following multiple colon surgeries, Diekman has bounced back in a big way for Texas.
Diekman is one of a couple lefties available after a flurry of bullpen pieces were moved Monday night. Luis Avilan would be another name to watch, but the organization is clearly familiar with Diekman considering he spent parts of four seasons with the big league team after being drafted in 2007.
Another reliever is clearly needed after Austin Davis and Luis Garcia blew Monday night’s game in the 13th inning against the Red Sox. The bullpen has shown improvements since Pat Nehsek returned from the disabled list, but one, maybe two, more pieces could turn this bullpen into one of the strongest in baseball.
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