The Philadelphia Phillies traded Pat Neshek and cash considerations to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for a trio of Minor Leaguers in Jose Gomez, J.D. Hammer and Alejandro Requena. The move was announced by both clubs, which is a rare break from such transactions initially getting leaked.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were among the clubs recently connected to Neshek, though it’s believed their preference is to trade for a left-handed reliever ahead of the July 31 deadline. Colorado has been linked to Baltimore’s Zach Britton, Miami’s A.J. Ramos, and others of late.
Neshek joins a Rockies bullpen that began the day ranked 25th overall with a 4.53 ERA and 21st in opponents’ on-base plus slugging percentage at .748.
The Rockies went into play trailing the Dodgers by 12.5 games in the National League West standings, but in the second NL Wild Card spot and only a half-game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Neshek represents an alternative and temporary option to replace closer Greg Holland, who was placed on paternity leave Wednesday. What’s more, Neshek could be a solution for next season as Holland is eligible for free agency this winter.
The 36-year-old is enjoying arguably the best season of his 11-year career. He appeared in 43 games for the Phillies, going 3-1 with a 1.12 ERA, 1.93 FIP and 0.82 WHIP. Neshek has 45 strikeouts against just five walks over 40.1 innings pitched, and was named to his second career All-Star Game.
The Rockies join the Diamondbacks in NL West teams that have attempted to improve their roster ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. Arizona recently acquired right-handed slugger J.D. Martinez, who is another player the Dodgers were tied to.
