Phillies trade Joely Rodriguez to Rangers

The Phillies traded left-handed reliever Joely Rodriguez to the Rangers for a player to be named later or cash Tuesday, per a club announcement. Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.

Philadelphia designated Rodriguez for assignment last week despite the southpaw leading the team in innings for relievers to this point in the season. Rodriguez struggled to a 6.33 ERA and 5.0 BB/9 rate in 27 innings to begin the season.

Rodriguez came into the year ranked as Philadelphia’s 23rd-best prospect (according to Baseball America) and has solid velocity despite some control issues. Texas likely views him as a potential big-league reliever at some point down the road, and has the luxury of sticking him in Triple-A to start.

The Rangers only have one lefty currently on their major-league roster in Alex Claudio and have Jake Diekman on the disabled list as he battles ulcerative colitis. Rodriguez could get a chance to help the major-league club if he performs well at Round Rock.