Phillies trade Pat Neshek to Rockies

The Phillies traded reliever Pat Neshek and cash to the Rockies for infielder Jose Gomez and right-handed pitchers J.D. Hammer and Alejandro Requena, according to a team announcement.

Colorado has been aggressive on the market for bullpen help, being linked to Miami’s A.J. Ramos and Baltimore’s Zach Britton and Brad Brach in recent days. Neshek, a free agent at the end of the season, drew interest from many teams, including the Nationals, Dodgers, Rays, Cubs and Red Sox.

Neshek, originally acquired by the Phils last November in a trade with the Astros, is the first All-Star traded this month. He has posted a stellar 1.12 ERA and 10.0 K/9 in 40.1 innings for the Phillies, being the club’s most productive player in a rough season.

Neshek, who is earning $6.5 million this year, will be a free agent at the end of the season. He joins lefties Mike Dunn and Jake McGee and righty Adam Ottavino in front of closer Greg Holland in Colorado’s bullpen. Colorado will now likely turn its attention to acquiring a veteran catcher or adding a controllable starting pitcher.

Neshek was one of Philadelphia’s most attractive trade chips, with Howie Kendrick and Daniel Nava now less likely to get dealt due to injury concerns. Maikel Franco, Joaquin Benoit, Jeremy Hellickson and Tommy Joseph are among the other candidates on the Phillies’ roster.

Gomez, 20, recently was ranked by MLB.com as the 21st-best prospect in the Rockies’ system. Originally signed as an international free agent in 2013, Gomez has hit .324/.374/.437 with four homers and 18 steals in 81 games for Single-A Asheville this season. He is seen as a versatile infielder with the ability to be either a utility player or starting second baseman if his bat continues to develop.

Hammer, 23, is a reliever who was the Rockies’ 24th-round pick last year out of Marshall. He has worked to a 2.36 ERA and 13.9 K/9 in 42 innings for Single-A Asheville and Hi-A Lancaster so far this year.

Requena, 20, owns an 8-3 record and 2.85 ERA in 19 starts with Single-A Asheville this season. He does not rank among Colorado’s top 30 prospects.