Pending a physical, the Philadelphia Phillies have found the right setup man they’ve been pushing so hard for.
According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, the Phillies and Astros have agreed on undisclosed Minor League prospects and the trade is pending a Wilton Lopez physical. Lopez, 29, spent some time over the past two season on the Disabled List but was very effective in 2012, going 6-3 with a 2.17 ERA and 10 saves for Houston.
Lopez was very precise last season, ranking first among all NL relievers with a 1.09 walks-per-nine innings ratio. He didn’t issue a walk until he faced his 80th batter. As a first-year arbitration-eligible player, he’ll also come at a low price and thus will allow the Phillies to spend the bulk of their budget elsewhere, especially in the outfield.
