As initially reported by Jim Salisbury on Twitter the Phillies reportedly have acquired LHP Gregory Soto & INF Kody Clemens from Detroit in exchange for OF Matt Vierling, IF Nick Maton & C Donny Sands.
The Phillies have now confirmed the deal in a press release.
Soto is a two time all star closer - last season the 27 year old from Haina, Dominican Republic saved 30 games in 33 chances and posted a 3.28 ERA in 64 games for Detroit - he struck out 60 batters and walked 34 in 60 1/3 IP. The year before he saved 18 games in 19 chances and had 76 K’s against 40 walks in 63 2/3 IP.
He’s got a big arm - sinking fastball that averages 98 mph and reaches 101 mph , also throws a slider ( 89 to 93 mph ) and a change up ( 91 to 93 mph ).
Kody Clemens is a 26 year old left handed hitter and is Roger Clemens son - he was the Tigers 3rd round draft selection in the 2018 draft from the University of Texas and played primarily at AAA Toledo last season posting a .274 batting average and .327 OBP in 60 games ( 264 PA’s ) with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs. He’s played sparingly in the major leagues ( 57 games ) and is primarily a second baseman but has also seen time at first base, third base and left field.
All of the players were on their respective 40 man rosters.
Vierling, Maton and Sands will seemingly get the opportunity to play much more with Detroit than they would have been afforded with the Phillies. We watched both Matt and Nick come up thru the Phillies system and think each of them could be viable big league starters - Sands is a very good hitter who has his struggles defensively - works hard and will certainly compete for a C/DH role with the Tigers big club.
The trade leaves a roster spot open on the Phillies 40 man group with RHP Francisco Morales being designated for assignment earlier this week - possibly he gets added back now to complete the big league roster.
Never a dull moment eh 🤓 - Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Top - Gregory Soto & Kody Clemens - bottom - Matt Vierling, Nick Maton & Donny Sands - Phillies photo by Cheryl Pursell
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