Philadelphia Phillies acquire Tyler Pastornicky from Texas Rangers
By Tim Haberin
The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired infielder Tyler Pastornicky from the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash, according to the clubs.
The deal comes on the heels of reports that the Phillies have placed longtime second baseman Chase Utley on revocable waivers. While Utley could certainly end up moving elsewhere before the end of the season, Pastornicky’s arrival likely doesn’t indicate any definite movement on that front.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
The Phillies say that Pastornicky will report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where the 25-year-old will continue trying to break his way back into the big leagues. Originally selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 2008 draft, Pastornicky was dealt in 2010 to the Braves, where he developed into a well-regarded infield prospect.
Pastornicky received his biggest dose of major league action in 2012 when he made his debut as Atlanta’s Opening Day shortstop. He hit poorly through 76 games, even by middle infield standards, slashing .243/.287/.325 with two home runs and 13 RBI. He made it into only 48 total games over the next two seasons and continued to flounder, posting a combined .597 OPS.
After being released by the Braves in March of this year, he signed a minor league deal with the Rangers. Though he hasn’t received a big league call-up this season, he has posted a .281/.322/.366 batting line with a homer and 24 RBI between time at Double- and Triple-A.
Philadelphia has received solid production from second baseman Cesar Hernandez (.733 OPS) and unless a trade happens they will also hope that Utley, fresh off the disabled list, can still revive his bat. For now, they likely view Pastornicky as cheap infield depth to stash in the minors.