Phillies might not be done making moves
Utley, Harang, Francoeur could be traded before Aug. 31 wavier Trade Deadline
PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies might not be finished making trades.
They could trade Chase Utley, Aaron Harang, Jeff Francoeur and others before the Aug. 31 waiver Trade Deadline. Utley has received interest from teams, although he is on the disabled list with an injured right ankle.
The Phillies have traded Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins, Jonathan Papelbon, Ben Revere, Marlon Byrd, Jake Diekman and Antonio Bastardo since the organization began its rebuilding process in the offseason. Those seven veterans have netted the Phillies 13 players, including 12 Minor Leaguers (10 pitchers, one outfielder and one catcher).
Utley will not get the Phillies the prospects he might have a year ago, but he could get the Phillies somebody of value. Of course, Utley would have to waive his no-trade rights to make it happen. He said in Spring Training if the Phillies started trading its core veterans he might have to rethink things and consider a trade.
Maybe he will.
Harrison to the DL
The Phillies immediately placed left-hander Matt Harrison, whom they acquired in the Hamels deal, on the 15-day disabled list with lower back inflammation.
He has made just nine starts the past three seasons because of a pair of back surgeries. He felt some stiffness in his last start Monday.
The Phillies acquired Harrison because he is owed $33 million on his contract, which helps the Rangers offset the $81 million remaining on Hamels' deal.
"If he's healthy enough and can bounce back to where he was before, it's a good risk that can create some value for us to help stabilize our rotation down the road," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "I'll know more about his overall medical situation as soon as the doctors examine him today."
Roster moves
The Phillies cannot trade Hamels, Revere and Diekman and not make some corresponding moves.
The Phillies recalled right-hander David Buchanan from Triple-A to take Hamels' spot in the rotation. They also recalled outfielder Jordan Danks and right-hander Dalier Hinojosa to replace Revere and Diekman, respectively.