Phillies, Angels swap relievers in 1-for-1 deal
Phils acquire LHP Alvarez; Halos receive RHP Garcia
The Angels and Phillies swapped veteran relievers Thursday in a deal that sent southpaw Jose Alvarez to Philadelphia and right-hander Luis Garcia to Anaheim.
Alvarez, 29, is coming off a stellar season in which he posted a 2.71 ERA, which ranked fourth among left-handed AL relievers, and struck out 59 batters through 76 appearances (63 innings). He allowed just three home runs all season and held left-handed hitters to a .206 average.
The six-year veteran owns a 3.69 career ERA through 284 games with the Tigers (2013) and Angels (2014-18). The Angels acquired him from Detroit in March 2014 in exchange for infielder Andrew Romine.
Garcia, 31, has spent his entire six-year Major League career with the Phillies after joining the club as a Minor League free agent in 2013. After a strong 2017 campaign, Garcia struggled this season, compiling a 6.07 ERA in 59 relief appearances. He has a 4.12 ERA for his career.
Both players are eligible for arbitration this offseason, and each is under team control until 2021.