Source confirms Phillies' pursuit of Houston Astros relief pitcher Wilton Lopez
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Source confirms Phillies' pursuit of Houston Astros relief pitcher Wilton Lopez
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
A league source has confirmed multiple reports that the Phillies are near completing a trade that will bring righthanded reliever Wilton Lopez to the team from the Houston Astros.
Lopez was in Philadelphia Wednesday for a physical.
Lopez, 29, has spent the last four seasons with the Houston Astros, where he has developed into a top-notch late-inning reliever. In 213 career appearances, he is 13-13 with a 3.14 earned run average.
He initially signed with the New York Yankees as a free agent in 2002. After being released by New York in 2007, he signed as a free agent with San Diego, but he did not make it to the big leagues until 2009 after Houston claimed him on waivers.
Lopez improved in each season with the Astros and had a career-best 2.17 ERA in 2012. He also saved 10 games in 13 attempts.
The Phillies, of course, would be more interested in Lopez as the setup role, which proved to be an Achilles' heal a year ago.
Because Lopez is a first-time arbitration eligible player, he will be an inexpensive alternative to some of the free agents on the market. That could allow the Phillies to spend more money as they attempt to address offensive issues.
Even better than this, the Braves paid $75 million for a BJ that isn't worth it. One thing that Rube knows is how to value a BJ.— syddan26- These guys we get from the Astros never work out. How about an outfielder or 2. Can't sell Brown and Mayberry anymore.— Ssteve115
- Another Wilt... I like the sound of that.— sillybilly
- CBSSports.com and nj.com report the Phila are giving up one or more minor leaguers for him. He's a good pickup. Nice arm.— Bob1
- The whole team should go on steroids. When they get caught, they should defer their suspensions until after the World Series.— orange rhino
- Salisbury on CSN noted that Lopez missed time with an elbow injury this year. He seemed to be wondering whether that's why the announcement has been delayed -- maybe the physical didn't go so well?— s
- looks like its over due to the physical...im fine with that..at least rube must have looked at the Gio Gonzalez poster in his office that reminds him to require a physical before trading away prospects.— jim715
