A few days ago, reliever Wilton Lopez was traded by the Houston Astros to the Philadelphia Phillies. The deal was pending a physical, which Lopez traveled to Philadelphia to handle on Wednesday.
Today, MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki is reporting that the trade is off.
"A deal had been agreed upon, pending Lopez passing his physical, but it appears both teams are going their separate ways."
July 28, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Wilton Lopez (59) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. The Pirates defeated the Astros 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE
Lopez is a first-yera arbitration-eligible player and enjoyed a very good season out of the Astros bullpen in 2012. His acquisition was to have been a boon to the Philies’ ‘pen, who have been in need of a set-up man in front of closer Jonathan Papelbon. Lopez saved 10 games for the Astros last season; taking the closer’s role when Brett Myers was traded and Francisco Cordero forgot how to get hitters out.
Zolecki’s report suggests the Phillies could have interest in free agent relievers MMike Adams and Brandon Lyon. Lopez continues to draw interest from several teams, despite this deal falling through. Lopez had spent some time on the disabled list in 2012 due to a right elbow strain. He also missed time due to right elbow soreness. That injury did not require a trip to the DL.
The Nicaraguan right hander has pitched to a 2.64 ERA while making 205 appearances over the past three seasons. He has struck out seven batters per nine innings while walking 1.4.