Phillies Notes: Phils trade Kratz for Jays pitcher Lincoln

Righthander Brad Lincoln, once a promising prospect after being selected fourth overall in the 2006 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been acquired by the Phillies from the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Phillies sent catcher Erik Kratz and lefthander Rob Rasmussen to Toronto in the deal, which was announced Tuesday night.

Lincoln, 28, split his time between Toronto and triple-A Buffalo last season. He was 1-2 with a 3.98 ERA in 22 relief appearances with Toronto. Lincoln had 25 strikeouts and 22 walks in 312/3 innings.

Lincoln played parts of three seasons with Pittsburgh before being sent to Toronto on July 30, 2012, for outfielder Travis Snider. Lincoln is 9-11 with a 4.66 ERA in his big-league career.

Kratz, 33, slumped to .213 last season with the Phillies, adding nine home runs and 26 RBIs.

The Phillies could look to acquire a backup catcher. Cameron Rupp, a late-season call-up, could be in line for the backup's job.

The 24-year-old Rasmussen was acquired by the Phillies on Aug. 31 in the trade that sent Michael Young to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

@sjnard