The Phillies have reached an agreement to trade for Astros reliever Wilton Lopez, confirms CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman. The Astors will receive minor league players in the deal. The prospects involved are said to be close to major league ready. Jim Salisbury of csnphilly.com first reported the deal.
Lopez would likely serve as a set-up man for Jonathan Papelbon. The 29-year-old Lopez does have closer experience, however, taking over the role for Houston after it dealt Brett Myers to the White Sox.
In 66 1/3 innings, Lopez had a 2.17 ERA and a 2.70 FIP last season. He displayed pinpoint control, walking only 3.1 percent of batters faced. Lopez will go through the arbitration process for the first time this offseason and would be under team control through the 2015 season. He made $515,500 last season and was easily the Astros’ best relief pitcher.
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