Phillies Add David Hale To Plug Leaks In Bullpen

Image credit: David Hale (Mitchell Leff/Getty)

With their bullpen springing leak after leak and no relief in sight, the Phillies on Friday swung a small trade to add a veteran to their staff.

They acquired David Hale, whom the Yankees had designated for assignment, in exchange for upper-level pitching prospect Addison Russ who, oddly enough, profiles as a middle reliever.

 

Phillies acquire:

David Hale, RHP
Age: 32

The classic journeyman reliever, Hale has spent the last three seasons with the Yankees and the Twins pitching in low-level situations. He appeared in five games this season, spanning six innings and averaging 93 mph with his fastball. Hale doesn’t miss many bats, but his 99 ERA+ in his career is just a tick below league average and represents a vast upgrade over the Phillies current options.

 

Yankees Acquire

Addison Russ, RHP
Age: 25

The Phillies No. 24 prospect at midseason, Russ was selected in the 19th round in 2017 out of Houston Baptist. He has struck out 200 batters and walked just 44 in 152.2 minor league innings and reached Double-A Reading in 2019. A pure relief prospect, Russ has never made a start in the minors. He operates with a low-to-mid 90s fastball and a changeup that flashes plus fade. He mixes in a slider from time to time as well. Because of the way it plays, Russ’ fastball is best utilized in the lower part of the strike zone.