UPDATE [11 A.M.] — The Phillies didn't waste any time reinforcing their bullpen, as they acquired righty Mike Morin from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations.
Morin is 28 and has a 3.18 ERA this season in 22.1 innings. In six MLB seasons he is 10-8 with two saves and a 4.48 ERA.
The Phillies appear to be on the rebound, having split four games with the NL leading Dodgers prior to a dominating 15-hit performance in a win in Pittsburgh Friday.
This only means the team is more likely to buy at the trade deadline.
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With starting pitchers taking most of the headlines, it's worth mentioning that relief pitching is certainly a priority for the Phillies, as they patiently wait for seven hurlers to mend on their injury list. According to MLB.com's Jeffrey Flanigan, one-time homegrown lefty specialist Jake Diekman could be on his way back to Philadelphia. The Phils reportedly scouted the flame-thrower last week, and also had a scout on hand Friday night.
Diekman, many Phillies fans will remember, was traded to the Rangers with Cole Hamels. Now 32, Diekman has a 2020 mutual option, making him a little more appealing to the team as they look to avoid trading for rentals. He has 57 strikeouts in 38.2 innings this year in Kansas City and a career 3.88 ERA. He still throws that fastball north of 98.
With less than two weeks remaining until the July 31 trade deadline, the floodgates will open sometime soon with a bevy of teams still contending for playoff spots. Follow along with all the rumors, updates and analysis below, with our live stream/open thread:
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