Phillies Trade Pitcher Joely Rodriguez to Rangers

The Phillies designated for assignment the contract of left-handed pitcher Joely Rodriguez when they added Casey Fien into the Phillies bullpen fold.  That gave the Phillies 10 days to trade, release, or reassign Rodriguez.  Had the Phillies hoped to keep Rodriguez, the team would have needed to pass Rodriguez through waivers.

Ultimately, the Phillies worked out a deal with the Texas Rangers on a trade, the Rangers announced.  The Phillies will receive cash considerations or a player to be named in exchange for Rodriguez's contract.

The Rangers have struggled in their bullpen, as well.  Lefty Jake Diekman has been on the disabled list after having colon surgery, and closer Sam Dyson had to be designated for assignment himself.  Rodriguez will head to Triple-A Round Rock, according to a team release.

Rodriguez was 1-2 with a 6.33 earned run average for the Phillies.   Even worse, Rodriguez allowed inherited runners to score frequently, a task often given to the left-handed specialist in the bullpen.  The Phillies now have only Adam Morgan from the left side.

The Phillies acquired Rodriguez from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Antonio Bastardo in 2014.  Rodriguez once before was designated for assignment by the Phillies and cleared waivers.  But, with progress on his fastball, the Phillies returned him to the Major Leagues last September and gave him another chance.