According to several sources, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired right-handed reliever David Phelps from the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Phillies bullpen has been a working progress this year. So far, Klentak has traded for Brandon Workman, Health Hembree, David Hale, and David Phelps. Ranger Suarez is also expected to join the roster soon.
Phelps is having a career year this season. Over 12 appearance out of the bullpen, the 33-year-old has posted career-lows in ERA and walk rate while striking out over 40% of hitters he has faced. Another interesting note: Phelps has been fantastic against left-handers this season, striking out nearly half the lefty batters he has faced while only allowing four hits.
Phelps is rejoining his former manager Joe Girardi. The two were together for three seasons from 2012-2014. Those were the first three seasons in the big league for Phelps, who Girardi used in a versatile role as a bridge between the starters and relievers.
Here is what Brewer's president of baseball operations David Stearns had to say about Phelps when they signed him this past January:
"We look at David as someone who's not too far removed from being one of the better relievers in this game. What happened in the interim was Tommy John surgery. Now, two years removed from that Tommy John, that's generally a pretty good spot where pitchers can begin to really get that velocity back and get back to where they were previously."
