The Phillies made a trade Friday, sending right-backer Addison Russ, who put on Double A last season, to the Yankees for 32-year-old right-back David Hale.
From a Phillies perspective … at least it’s something. Russ could one day be a more effective relief than Hale, but the Phillies need bullpen help today and apparently feel the veteran Hale can help them more now.
The Phils have by far the worst bullpen in the league – 62 runs allowed in 64⅔ innings – and have a few relievers who probably shouldn’t agree here. While Hale is no harder pitcher than a strike arm for big time, he has at least shown that he can get outs at the premiership level.
“Three-pitch guy who has a very good change,” said manager Joe Girardi. “He probably just fell victim to them with a deep bullet. He was available and we brought him up. I think it’s a good move for us.”
To make room for Hale on the 40-man, the Phillies appointed lefty Austin Davis for assignment.
Hale has pitched for four teams over seven seasons in the major leagues. He broke with the Braves in 2013 as a starting pitcher, but has only appeared as a reliever in the major since 2016.
Hale allowed two runs in six innings for the Yankees this season, hitting seven. He had a 3.11 ERA in 20 appearances last season with 12 multi-inning outings.
He throws an empty ball from the 90s with a substitution and a move.
Russ was the pick of the Phillies’ 19th round pick in 2017. He spent last season at Double A Reading and had a strong year, placing a 2.54 ERA and hitting 81 batters in 56⅔ innings for an Eastern League All-Star performances last summer and an invitation to camp in the big leagues earlier this year.
Alvarez nei IL
The Phillies put relief Jose Alvarez on the injured list with a testicular controversy after he was hit there Thursday by a 105 mph line drive. Lefty JoJo Romero took his place on the active roster.
Day for Harper
For the first time this season, Bryce Harper sat down. Harper did not ask to rest, but Joe Girardi gave him the day off against tough Braves lefty Max Fried. Harper plays extremely hard, he played every day and played both ends of three double buyers. Girardi just wanted to get him off his feet. Girardi is “dog tired and upset,” Girardi said.
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