Trade FALLS THROUGH: Phillies/Pirates Trade For Tyler Anderson Called Off

 

The Philadelphia Phillies have been looking for pitching help, both in the rotation and the bullpen. Today, they began the process, SEEMINGLY acquiring Pittsburgh Pirates starter Tyler Anderson.

Tyler Anderson goes to Phillies for Cristian Hernandez and Adrian Gutierrez pending physicals

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 27, 2021

The trade is "on hold", as there is a "covid issue" with one of the minor leaguers heading to the Pirates as part of the trade. Anderson was scratched from his start for Pittsburgh tonight. 

As previously reported:

Anderson has had a strong year for the Pirates, completing at least 5 innings in all 18 of his starts. He has a 4.35 ERA, and in the last 6 weeks has pitched to a 2.66 ERA and is an upgrade on Matt Moore at the back of the Phillies rotation. 

The Phillies are trying to keep pace with the New York Mets in the NL East, currently sitting 3.5 games back. 

In return for Anderson, the Phils were planning to send a 21-year-old catching prospect, Abrahan Guttierez, along with their #29 prospect, 20-year-old pitcher Cristian Hernandez. He's a power arm, with 74 strikeouts in 56.2 innings in A-ball.

It would have been the second trade for the Pirates as they continue to collect prospects to add to their rebuild. All-Star second baseman Adam Frazier was sent to the San Diego Padres on Monday. 

Photo Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports