Pirates acquire Antonio Bastardo in trade with Phillies

The Pittsburgh Pirates today acquired left-handed pitcher Antonio Bastardo from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for minor league pitcher Joely Rodriguez. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.

The 29-year-old Bastardo went 5-7 with a 3.94 ERA (64.0ip/28er) while making a career high 67 appearances (67) and matching his career high in strikeouts (81) with the Phillies last season. He finished tied for 10th among National League relievers in strikeouts and tied for the fourth-most along with Pittsburgh's Tony Watson among all National League left-handed relievers, trailing only Aroldis Chapman (106), Jake Diekman (100) and Will Smith (86).

Bastardo did not allow a run in 12 of his final 13 appearances (11.2ip/1er) in 2014, while also limiting opposing hitters to just three hits in 37 at bats (.081 average) during that stretch.

In 2013, Bastardo finished third among all relievers in the Majors with 14.02 strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched, trailing only Atlanta's Craig Kimbrel (16.66) and Cincinnati's Aroldis Chapman (15.32). He also ranks third among all National League left-handed relievers in strikeouts (209) since 2012, trailing only Aroldis Chapman (340) and Rex Brothers (214). Pirates southpaw Tony Watson ranks fourth in that time with 188 punchouts.

Since making his Major League debut with Philadelphia in 2009, Bastardo has posted a career record of 20-18, 11 saves, a 3.72 ERA (259.0ip/107er) and 324 strikeouts in 275 games (five starts).