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Phillies set to acquire Wilton Lopez
Several sources including MLBtraderumors.com and CSNPhilly.com are reporting a deal that would send Astros reliever Wilton Lopez to the Phillies. One article says Lopez is in Philadelphia to take a physical that, if he passes, would make the deal official.
Wilton Lopez (Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE)
Lopez saved ten games after taking over as the Astros closer last season. He has been a solid performer in the Astros bullpen for the past three seasons and he will definitely be missed. Last season Lopez, 29, had the lowest walk rate in the league among relievers. He has always possessed pinpoint control and a high ground ball rate resulting in a low number of homeruns allowed.
The trade would leave a big void at the back end of the Astros bullpen. There has been little speculation on which prospect or prospects could be coming to Houston in the deal. Outfielder Domonic Brown is the type of player the Astros might be interested in. Starting pitcher Vance Worley and catcher Sebastian Valle are also high on the list of potential targets. Astros G.M. Jeff Luhnow has yet to comment on the potential transaction.
Lopez has been sidelined with arm injuries at one time or another in each of the last three seasons. Some teams have expressed concern on the overall health of his right elbow. This physical with the Phillies could go either way.