Phillies Acquire Reliever Pat Neshek in Trade with Astros

When the Phillies signed veteran reliever David Hernandez last offseason, the Phillies were hoping for a reliable veteran arm.Instead, Hernandez and others faltered, giving the bulk of the back-end of the bullpen work to Jeanmar Gomez and Hector Neris.  Just two days after the World Series, the Phillies have landed a veteran reliever.

Neshek appeared in 60 games for the Houston Astros last season, going 2-2 with a 3.02 earned run average.   Neshek was particularly effective against right-handed batters, who hit just .172 against him.   Neshek is perhaps best-known for his sidearm delivery to the plate.

Neshek is now 36 years old and has played for the Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Astros.  As a member of the 2014 St. Louis Cardinals, Neshek was named an All-Star. That season Neshek held a 1.87 earned run average and WHIP of 0.79.

Neshek had a $6.5 million contract option for the Astros, who exercised it to make the trade.