Pittsburgh Pirates acquire Antonio Bastardo from Phillies

Philadelphia headed into the Winter Meetings with the intention of rebuilding, and is still looking to trade several veteran players. The Phillies are close to sending Jimmy Rollins to the Dodgers, and according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal and MLB Daily Rumors' Robert Murray, sent left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo to the Pirates in exchange for minor league pitcher Joely Rodriguez.

Bastardo, 29, posted a 3.94 ERA and 3.10 FIP in 64 innings with the Phillies last season. He struck out 81, walked 34, and owns a career 3.72 ERA. Bastardo has been efficient in six major league seasons, all of which came with Philadelphia, and has proven he can get both left and right-handed hitters out (.211 BAA righties, .185 for lefties).

Pittsburgh was looking for a second lefty to add to its bullpen after trading Justin Wilson to the Yankees in exchange for Francisco Cervelli. Bastardo is arbitration eligible for the final time, having made $2 million in 2014.

In Rodriguez, the Phillies receive a player who can develop into a starter or reliever. He posted a 4.84 ERA in 31 starts with the Pirates' Double-A affiliate, and was moved to the bullpen in July but was eventually slotted back into the rotation to end the season. His best season came in 2013, when he posted a 2.70 ERA in 26 starts.

Although the Pirates addressed a need, they are parting with a prospect who pitched well in the Arizona Fall League. Rodriguez struck out 22 in 22.2 innings, and posted a 2.38 ERA.

Bastardo had been linked to the Red Sox earlier this week, and teams who are seeking left-handed relief help likely asked the Phillies if he was available. While the Rollins deal could be complete soon, the Phillies will also consider moving Cole Hamels and Marlon Byrd before the Winter Meetings end on Thursday.