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Philadelphia Phillies: Three trade targets ahead of the MLB trade deadline

By Nick Stevens

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 28: A detail view of the Liberty Bell at Citizens Bank Park on August 28, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Phillies defeated the Braves 7-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 28: A detail view of the Liberty Bell at Citizens Bank Park on August 28, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Phillies defeated the Braves 7-4. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia Phillies
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

A few potential targets for the Philadelphia Phillies to bolster their staff.

Despite a long list of injuries to high-profile names, a COVID-19 outbreak, schedule disruptions, and everything else that has come with trying to complete a shortened MLB season amidst a global pandemic, the National League East is currently a hotly contested division with the Philadelphia Phillies right in the thick of the race.

Entering Sunday, the Atlanta Braves sit in first place with an 18-14 record while the Washington Nationals are in last place (12-18), but find themselves only five games behind Atlanta.

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The Philadelphia Phillies are 14-14, two games behind Atlanta for first place in the division and only half a game out of a Wild Card spot.

With the offense clicking (fifth in team batting average, second in on-base percentage, and sixth in team wRC+), it’s the pitching that needs to be addressed by Monday afternoon’s deadline if the Phillies want to make a run.

We don’t need to dive into the bullpen numbers again. Philadelphia’s bullpen is a disaster, it’s no secret. Luckily, there are a handful of quality names available on the market, many of whom can likely be acquired at a low cost.

The Phillies have already traded for Heath Hembree, Brandon Workman, and David Hale, but that’s not going to be enough.

With 30 games over 27 days to close out the season, including five doubleheaders in September, Philadelphia will need plenty of arms to help them finish the season and earn a playoff spot.

Here are three pitchers the Philadelphia Phillies should consider adding before Monday’s 4 pm trade deadline, including a mix of bullpen arms and possible starters to help with the condensed upcoming schedule.

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