Phillies Trade For Texas Ranger Twosome
Not to be outdone by trades earlier in the day by divisional rivals the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies are keeping pace by bringing in a pair of arms from the Texas Rangers, starting pitcher Kyle Gibson and closer Ian Kennedy.
Phillies making their move: Finalizing a deal to get starter Kyle Gibson and reliever Ian Kennedy from the Texas Rangers, sources tell ESPN. First on the scene was @Ken_Rosenthal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2021
The Phillies are only 3.5 games back of the Mets in the division, but they badly needed some pitching help. Their bullpen has been a disaster all season, ranking 21st in total team saves; they're hoping that Ian Kennedy is the savior. He has been a solid closer for the Rangers this season, with 16 saves and a 2.51 ERA. In 2019, he racked up 30 saves for the Kansas City Royals.
Kyle Gibson had a phenomenal start to the season, but has struggled of late, allowing 16 runs in his last 17.1 innings. The Phillies are hoping he can re-create that early season magic in their rotation.
A couple of young pitching prospects, 24-year-old RHP Spencer Howard and 23-year-old Kevin Gowdy go to Texas in the trade.
Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Post a Comment