Phillies make a post-deadline trade for Rays minor league pitcher

Despite the MLB trade deadline having come and gone on July 30, the Philadelphia Phillies are still wheeling and dealing. Yes, teams can still make trades after the trade deadline.

If you’re wondering how trades are still possible, players can be moved as long as they haven’t been on the 40-man roster during the current season.

Phillies make a post-deadline trade for Nelson L. Alvarez from the Rays

As reported by Phillies Tailgate on X (formerly Twitter), the Phillies acquired right-handed pitcher Nelson L. Alvarez from the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday for cash considerations. He’ll report to Double-A with the Reading Fightin Phils.

Alvarez, 26, was a 2019 13th-round draft pick of the New York Yankees. He spent three seasons in the Yankees farm system before being claimed off waivers by the Rays after the 2022 season.

This season, he appeared in 27 games between the Rays' Double- and Triple-A affiliates. He posted a 2-1 record with a 4.33 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and logged 38 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings.

Alvarez’s biggest weakness has been his control. This year, he has issued 22 walks for a 5.60 BB/9. He struggled immensely with his control in his 16 innings in Triple-A, walking 15 batters for an 8.44 BB/9.

After struggling to a 5.19 ERA over his last 13 appearances in Double-A with the Montgomery Biscuits, the Rays transferred the Miami native to the Development List on Aug. 1, as indicated on his MiLB transactions page.

Alvarez features a two-pitch mix, with a fastball and a slider. His fastball sat 94-97 mph while with the Yankees and was projected to grade as an above-average offering, according to FanGraphs' 2021 prospect scouting report.

In 152 relief appearances over his five minor league seasons, Alvarez has a 5.04 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 248 strikeouts in 203 2/3 innings. He has 19 holds and 10 career minor league saves but went 0-for-2 in save opportunities this season with the Biscuits.